Seoul Mayors Forum on Climate Change 2019... where 27 cities discuss tackling climate change

Also today... the Seoul Metropolitan government hosted a mayors' forum on climate change... gathering mayors of cities from all corners of the world.They emphasized the need to take prompt action to deal with climate change.Our Kim Bo-kyoung was there.Representatives of 37 cities from 25 nations were in central Seoul on Thursday for a special forum on climate change.“Local governments from around the world, including the Seoul Metropolitan government, have gathered under one roof to discuss the importance of tackling climate change at the local governmental level.”The Seoul Mayors Forum on Climate Change 2019 highlighted how cities can use local-level, practical approaches to improve the environment.“Rather than top-down cookie-cutter, if you will, philosophy, cities often pursue bottom-up, locally designed approaches that accommodate diverse economic, political and social structures that hold our communities together and it is this knowledge and practice I think in many ways is what is the backbone of innovation that we are now experiencing from the local level.”He also emphasized that reducing the emissions of the top 5 cities of each particular country could account for a significant reduction of national emissions.The mayor of the Seoul Metropolitan government asked local governments of other cities to do more to overcome the current climate crisis.“As key implementers of climate actions, we encourage cities and local governments around the world to adopt climate emergency declarations at the councils...”Actions taken by cities to improve their environment are not only for future generations, but also benefit cities right now by improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion and road injuries.“We know that there are many many jobs for example in making buildings more energy-efficient and also the installation of solar panels and foldable tags so these are really jobs-rich new industries...”Small cities are playing leadership roles and working with other cities... to tackle climate change through voluntary action.Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.