The Town of New Castle is a member of ICLEI, the International Council for Local Government Initiatives. ICLEI is a membership association of local governments and national and regional local government associations that have made a unique commitment to sustainable development. ICLEI is made up of 1107 local governments, representing over 400 million people worldwide.

The article below is reprinted from the ICLEI's Local Action Blog.

by Anne Strickler

December 17, 2009

 Below is the text of a statement released by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability  today  in Copenhagen in response to the failure to include local governments in a substantive capacity in or allow basic access to the international climate negotiations. More than 1,100 people came to Copenhagen representing local governments from around the world, only to be turned away in these final days.

Read why we find this unfortunate and unacceptable:

 ICLEI STATEMENT OF MAYORS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON FAILURE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Why is it that national governments are failing where local governments have long succeeded? If the international community had followed the lead of local governments in seeking and implementing ambitious climate solutions, we would be well on our way to solving the challenge of climate change. Instead we find ourselves in Copenhagen on the brink of letting down people from every corner of the planet.

It has been not only days, but years, that we have asked to join with you in this discussion. Since the Rio Convention of 1992 we have supportively stood by you as world leaders with the unending hope and deep belief that you consistently and sincerely find a basis for agreement to effectively address climate change. We trusted you. It has now been 17 years with very little progress on your part.

Different from recent international climate summits, as we headed to Copenhagen this December both our hopes and anxieties were high. Despite headlines chastising the world's biggest emitters and international leadership for their failure to come to an agreement, we were genuinely hopeful.

As elected officials, we know the power and potential of bold commitments and visionary collaboration. Both of those are required here in Copenhagen, yet they have been trumped at COP15.

We have offered to sit at the table with you and help inform your process. We have asked to be involved with a growing insistence represented by a chorus of local and sub-national leaders from across the world representing all large emitters from developing and developed countries.

We as local elected officials value deeply the obligations that our public roles commit us to. To that end, we cannot return to our homes and constituents without having come to Copenhagen and delivered the message we want you to hear.

It is our demand that the world leaders, Heads of State and the United Nations commit to a strong outcome here in Copenhagen; if not binding it must be operational and set a date within six months for established and binding language. It must commit the world to reduce emissions quickly and dramatically, to avoid the thresholds of dangerous climate disruption. It must open up clean pathways out of poverty in developing nations. It must launch a clean energy revolution that transforms and revitalizes our economies. It must deliver solutions as big as the problem.

Do not underestimate our voice, our willingness and power to act and our ability to mobilize. We are hundreds of local leaders around the world supported by millions of people who have long demanded action. We are here to work with you. Let us serve as a resource to you. We are here to help you as are the other expert stakeholders that have come together in historic numbers here in Copenhagen. We understand the political and financial risks that feed your uncertainty; our first-hand experience is proof to allay those fears.

Why do your negotiations exclude the government actors who have demonstrated the political will and practical ability to start solving this global problem? The stakes are too high to be constrained by an antiquated process that mutes the voices of millions. Bring us in as partners, give us a seat at the table and let us share in this responsibility.

Bring us in as partners, give us a seat at the table and let us share in this responsibility. Local and subnational governments should not be underestimated. We are ready. We accept our responsibilities to implement your agreement. Finish this job so we can all start working together on the real job that lies ahead.