These instruments will lower the cost of reducing emissions dramatically and are necessary to make GHG reductions cost-effective around the world. If you as negotiators can agree on a framework in Kyoto that makes that course possible, and focuses on the long term common goals we want to achieve, I am sure you will have a supportive partner in industry world-wide that is willing to put all its resources behind these efforts. Local government action to reduce emissions is crucial for a number of reasons. Cities are directly threatened by climate change with its adverse effects on water, food, air, and local weather. Cities are major polluters and users of energy.
Cities have many powers and tools to influence energy use in their communities.
And finally, cities have recognized the very tangible benefits they can get from reducing local energy consumption - benefits that help, rather than hurt the local economy. These include better air quality, creation of jobs, lower energy bills, and improved livabilty in the community. Local officials report that such benefits outweigh the financial costs of emissions reduction. Because of those benefits, cities in developing countries are also enthusiastic about joining the CCP campaign provided they can have access to adequate funding for emissions-reduction measures. By the beginning of the next century, over half the world's population will be living in urban areas.