As the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) continues, European city mayors have called on the EU to meet its climate ambitions and commit to a minimum of 90 % net reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. "Despite growing opposition to climate action, it is crucial that Europe maintains its global leadership by adopting an ambitious new target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90 % by 2040," says André Sobczak,  Secretary General of Eurocities. "This will ensure that we can build a fair, green and prosperous future for people in Europe and around the world." To achieve this key and urgent task, in the new  position document , published today by Eurocities, states that:

• The European Commission must strengthen direct cooperation and support for cities.
• Cities must receive targeted funding and EU funding, including the European Investment Bank program for cities, increased resources for cities in the next EU budget and EU mechanisms to connect cities with private funding.
• The EU and member states must work with cities to implement the key of the Fit for 55 package , updating EU legislation and policy to support cities in implementing sustainable transport, energy efficient buildings, sustainable food systems and the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources.
• A large share of emissions in cities remains uncontrolled, for example the production and consumption of food and consumer goods and services. The EU must set targets to reduce these emissions and provide a way to calculate them, along with training for cities on how to measure them. (Andrew Kennedy)