In Portugal, capacity-building sessions will help stakeholders to design climate action plans
The EU Commission is committed to making Europe the first net-zero emission continent. The European Green Deal pushes Member States to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. 75% of global GHG emissions occur in cities. According to predictions, by 2050 70% of the world’s population will live in metropolitan areas.
In this context cities are expected to take a leading role, achieving neutrality in a shorter timeframe and contributing to the well-being of communities.
In Portugal, the National Climate Law establishes “Regional and local climate policies” to guarantee efficient planification and implementation by local authorities. Municipalities have to approve a Local Climate Action Plan by 31 January 2024, indeed.
To help Portuguese cities successfully deal with all these challenges, Lisbon Energy Agency (Lisboa E-Nova) and the National Network of Energy Agencies (RNAE) are promoting capacity-building sessions throughout the country. During the events, technicians, decision-makers, representatives of municipalities, and energy agencies are welcome to share their experiences and knowledge. The aim is to encourage the application of standards in the preparation of GHG inventories and climate action plans.
Municipal technicians and energy agencies of the South Bank of the Tagus River and Alentejo Coast joined the first session organized by ENA – Energy and Environment Agency of Arrábida on 20 April in Setúbal. The agency took this opportunity to present to participants the EUCityCalc project showing how the web tool can help cities with the decision-making process and the implementation of climate strategies.
