Tartu was selected as one of the 100 cities in Europe to become climate-neutral
Tartu is the only Estonian city to have been selected for the European Commission’s mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 and will continue to move towards climate neutrality. The next step will be to prepare a climate-neutral cities pact, and work with the selected cities will start in May this year.
‘Being selected as one of the first 100 cities to pursue climate neutrality is great recognition of Tartu’s work and achievements so far. More importantly, the mission offers great potential for Tartu and Estonia, for the research institutions and companies located here. This is a great opportunity to take ambitious projects forward with European Structural Funds and partners, to work together towards achieving an even better quality of life,’ said Mayor Urmas Klaas.
In January, the Tartu City Government submitted a request to the European Commission to participate in a mission to support 100 cities in achieving climate neutrality by 2030. A total of 377 cities applied to join the mission, of which 100 were selected from the European Union by the European Commission, with an additional 12 being from other European countries. Work with the participating cities will begin with an opening seminar, in May, followed by a conference in Brussels, in June.
Participation in the mission will help to accelerate the achievement of climate neutrality, increase the use of EU research, development and structural funds; develop local smart entrepreneurship; strengthen cooperation between the city, research institutions and businesses; and raise the international profile and reputation of Tartu. The selected cities are innovation hubs, which serve to inspire other European cities to follow their example by 2050.
Kaspar Alev, Climate Specialist for the Tartu City Government, said that the issues that affect our daily living environment are directly linked to global climate challenges. ‘These solutions, which will help us achieve a liveable living environment, will also help us move towards climate neutrality. Participating in the mission is a great opportunity to improve the daily lives of the people of Tartu and to ensure that we do not emit more carbon into the city’s air than we are able to sequester,’ said Alev, explaining the principles of climate neutrality.
‘100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030’ is one of five EU missions. The other missions deal with climate adaptation, soil and land, seas and oceans, and cancer treatment. The climate-neutral cities mission will support innovative solutions in different sectors (energy, transport, waste management, etc.) and ensure a high quality and accessible living environment for all.
The City of Tartu would like to thank all the parties who helped Tartu to prepare its application: University of Tartu, TalTech, Tartu Regional Energy Agency, Institute of Baltic Studies, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Ministry of the Environment, Environmental Investment Centre, Estonian Academy of Arts, Civitta, SA Tartu 2024, and the Office of European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.
Joining the 100 Climate Neutral Cities mission is also one of the activities in the City of Tartu’s Energy and Climate Action Plan.
Source: Tartu City
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Posted: 06.05.2022
Categories: News
