Climate Action experts met with representatives of different local governments at the forum Climate Action from the cities and territories of Colombia. Led by the Secretary for the Environment of Bogotá, the Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Latin America (CODS), and the Network of Cities How We Go (CÓmo Vamos).
This meeting allowed the free flow of ideas, experiences and innovations that benefit all local Colombian governments. The idea is to face the mounting problems that deal with and around the topic of climate change.
The Forum had the support of the Ministry of the Environment, the National Planning Department, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, the Embassy of the United Kingdom, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the C40 Cities Network (C40).
During the opening of the event, the Secretary of Environment Mrs. Carolina Urrutia gave an inspired speech that emphasised the importance of working to meet the challenges in climate change. "One of the issues that keeps us anchored to the climate agenda and the ambition of achieving carbon-neutrality is the collaboration and co-operation between nations. Keeping in mind that we cannot think locally about immediate concerns, but rather think globally in the face of the greatest challenge facing humanity, climate change,” stressed Secretary Urrutia.
The COP26 regional ambassador for Latin America and the Caribbean, Fiona Clouder, opened a line of dialogue by underlining the collaboration between Bogotá and Medellín in the 'Race to Zero' campaign. “We need more and more cities and regions committed to change. From the United Kingdom we will continue to be ready to support Colombia and its cities in the transformation towards development with zero emissions,” stated Ambassador Clouder.
It’s initiatives like those proposed by the Secretary of the Environment that make Bogotá a global benchmark on climate issues. According to the ‘Climate Action Plan,’ there are four points on which to focus: governance and citizen participation; the calculated approach to inclusion and climate justice; land-use planning and zoning for climate resilience; and the inter-departmental joint work, “The need to implement these plans is urgent, because as of 2040, temperatures are expected to rise up to 0.65 degrees Celsius in Bogotá. Effects of heat-pockets, reduction in crop yields, which could very well affect food security and water scarcity,” highlighted the Secretary.
To respond to these challenges, Bogotá has 15 actions and 82 sub-actions underway. A spotlight has been placed on the eco-restoration of the city and framed around eco-systems and bio-diversity. Through these strategies, the city is being provided with permeable layers and better drainage systems.
In his presentation, the vice-minister of Environmental Planning of Territory, Mr. Juan Nicolás Galarza spoke on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment. He re-iterated that on a national level it is imperative to form a united front and work in tandem towards a common goal. This starts with every country making a pledge to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions. "We want to emphasise the leadership of Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Pereira and Montería, who have committed to specific goals in the transport, mining, energy and basic sanitation sectors." Stressed vice-minister Galarza.
Experts from various regions of Colombia and the world also participated in this brainstorm, such as Cartagena, Pereira, Montería, Cali, Buenos Aires, to name a few. Representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank - IDB and the Climate Finance Group of Latin America, among other national and international organizations were present.
Also in attendance was Mr. Daniel Gómez Gaviria, deputy general director of the National Planning Department (DNP), who spoke about the inter-departmental communication and financing mechanisms and not least of which, the National Climate Financing Strategy (ENFC). “Under the leadership of the DNP, we have raised more than $74 million dollars in international co-operation efforts to strengthen different sectors of the country,” stated Sub-director Gomez Gaviria.
By the end of the event, the director of the Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Latin America (CODS), spoke of the importance of co-operation and sharing experiences in the climate action agenda, “This meeting was the first of several more to come, with more specific topics for the Glasgow summit in mind, we thank the panellists who accompanied us and allowed us to establish a clear vision in this field to identify the perspectives that we must face from now on.”
Across the different panels of the Climate Action Forum, it was clear to see the importance of leadership on behalf of local and regional governments in the implementation of strategies that respond to the environmental and social needs that spring up from climate change. Not to mention, to stay within the parameters of the Paris Agreement, according to which, Colombia will reduce 20% of its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.
