Bristol’s burgeoning reputation as a testbed for innovative ways of tackling the impact of climate change has this week put it centre stage at a major event attended by senior figures from cities across the globe.
The World Congress in Seoul, South Korea, heard from the Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson on the city’s environmental achievements and its ambitions to become an exemplar for urban sustainability.
He described how Bristol was awarded this year’s European Green Capital title and promoted the city’s role as a catalyst for local change, explaining how it is using it as a platform to influence national policy, support change on a global level and reaffirm Bristol’s status as a low carbon city.
The ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) event brings together world cities to discuss and take forward sustainable projects in the build up to the United Nations Climate Summit in Paris later this year.
Mayor Ferguson is keen to forge relationships with cities across the world to work on common challenges such as climate change and identify future opportunities that could create jobs and growth.
The profile of Bristol and the European Green Capital scheme is high at the Congress, with Mayor Ferguson being joined by mayors from Copenhagen and Ljubjiana, the European Green Capitals for 2014 and 2016.
Mayor Ferguson also meet Seoul’s Mayor Park Won-soon, who expressed a keen interest in learning from Bristol and collaborating on low carbon, environment and ‘smart city’ initiatives.
The two mayors signed a Statement of Intent which recognises the importance of co-operation on ways to lower emissions, improvements to the environment and making both cities more sustainable for the benefit of their citizens.
Mayor Ferguson was also awarded honorary citizenship of Seoul in recognition of his work for the environment.
He said: “Cities across the world are playing an increasingly vital role in making sure we and our children live in a more sustainable world. Mayor Park is one of the most remarkable city mayors in the world and an inspiration to many. I was delighted to receive honorary citizenship of Seoul – a true world city.
“It was good to have the opportunity to showcase Bristol at ICLEI World Congress, sharing our experiences with and learning from cities worldwide to ensure we share a common purpose in striving to improve the life of citizens by making our urban areas more sustainable.
“My few days in South Korea have gone far beyond environmental concerns. It has opened up opportunities for investment and collaboration, including research, which should reap future rewards for Bristol and its universities.”
The Mayor also visited Jeonju, which aims to be an eco-city and where he addressed Mayor Kim and council members on the path to becoming a low carbon city.
The Congress will also be an opportunity for the Mayor to take part in planning Bristol’s leading role as co-host of the ICLEI Local Government Pavilion at the International Climate Change Negotiations in Paris at the beginning of December 2015.
Pictured: Seoul’s skyline
