Tartu seeks to reach the ranks of the top 100 climate neutral cities
Tartu City Government Press Release
31 January / The Tartu City Government submitted an application this week 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 the 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.
Innovative solutions in various sectors (energy, transport, waste management, etc.) are supported through the mission, helping to achieve climate neutrality while at the same time ensuring a high-quality living environment that is accessible to all.
According to Kaspar Alev, 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.
The City of Tartu thanks all of the participants that helped Tartu prepare its application: TalTech, the University of Tartu, the Tartu Regional Energy Agency, the Baltic Research Institute, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of the Environment, the Environmental Investment Centre, the Estonian Academy of Arts, Civitta, the Tartu 2024 Foundation, and the cabinet of European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.
Cities have until 31 January 2022 to express their interest in participating in the mission. Following an evaluation by independent experts, the European Commission will publish the list of selected cities by April 2022, after which an agreement on climate-neutral cities will be prepared in cooperation with the local community.
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.
Additional information about the mission.
Additional information: Kaspar Alev, Climate Specialist, Tartu City Government, tel: +372 524 2859, [email protected].
Last changed 31.01.2022
