Cities who are responsible for the 60% of the total greenhouse gas emissions and also 78% of the global energy consumption, they become more vulnerable to negative effects of climate change with time, especially with the high city population. In all crises and disasters, the responsibility to meet the expectations and needs of citizens first falls on the local governments.

Natural disasters, diseases and the effects of these problems on the vulnerable groups are enhanced with climate crisis. In return, local governments’ responsibilities are increasing and city resilience become more important each day.  In this context, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is considered to be an umbrella document for local governments in terms of disaster management and urban resilience.  In addition, global documents on integrated water and energy management, clean water and sanitation, solid waste and gray water management and protection of biodiversity are serving as guiding documents for local efforts.

UCLG-MEWA Committee on Environment provides capacity building opportunities to local governments by collaborating with different stakeholders to report carbon emissions of local governments, respond to disasters and crises, participate in green transformation, and particularly localize the global policy documents issued in this area.

Therefore, UCLG-MEWA Committee on Environment is conducting its activities by prioritizing the following subjects: