As we emerge from one of the hottest summers on record, we must start preparing for another winter strained by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the consequent energy crisis. The growing hazards of climate change experienced this summer – from heat waves, and droughts to floods and wildfires – are exerting mounting pressure on local governments across Europe, while they continue to grapple with inflation and unstable energy prices.
Fortunately, the panorama is not all bleak: cities and towns across Europe have shown their commitment and capability to tackle both these challenges through tangible actions. The Cities Energy Saving Sprint launched to confront last winter’s energy crisis, showed us the inseparable link between the energy and climate crises and the importance of combating them together with common solutions. Local governments, at the forefront of these challenges, have emerged as pioneers in adopting such solutions, aimed at saving energy and moving away from fossil fuels at the same time. Following a summer of climate disasters and anticipating another winter affected by the energy crisis, the Covenant of Mayors have relaunched the Cities Energy Saving Sprint, encouraging cities to uphold last winter’s energy saving measures and making them long-term. Here is the call to keep saving energy and the first featured success story from the Sprint to inspire other cities.