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. That means that the impact of humankind on the global environment for the first time in history will be managed by local policy and measures. Legally binding national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, however, are essential in order to strengthen local action by demonstrating that national governments are making serious efforts to combat climate change. In turn, local governments will support their national governments by educating the public to understand and accept the measures taken nationally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.