100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030
The Tartu City Government has submitted an application to the European Commission, expressing its desire to participate in the Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030”.
The aim of the mission by European Commission is to support 100 cities in achieving climate neutrality by 2030. The selected cities will act as hubs for innovation, encouraging other European cities to follow their lead by 2050. Participants in the mission will be provided with both substantive and partial financial support, to achieve climate goals in cooperation with local stakeholders.
According to Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas, aspiring to be among the 100 climate-neutral cities is a very ambitious step for Tartu and would allow Tartu to reach its climate-neutral goals more quickly. “We could use more European Union support for achieving our climate goals, for example, developing local green and smart technology, intensifying cooperation between the city, research institutions and companies, and raising the international level of recognition of the City of Tartu. If Tartu is selected, it will mean a great joint effort by the community in the name of a more liveable living environment,” the Mayor added.
According to Kaspar Alev, a climate specialist with the Tartu City Government, residents, local businesses, organisations, apartment associations, and the state have a very important role to play when it comes to achieving climate neutrality. “We need to agree on our joint efforts for a more liveable future. Stopping the growth of motorisation, raising the level of biodiversity, renovating buildings, reducing energy consumption, and promoting sustainable mobility – we need to find smart and functioning solutions for these challenges,” said Alev.
Joining the mission of 100 climate-neutral cities is also one of the activities set forth in the Tartu City Energy and Climate Action Plan.
