News / Environment
Rees and Prince Charles call for collective action on sustainable urbanisation
Ahead of COP26, Marvin Rees joined the future king of England at an event asking how Commonwealth countries can respond to the “triple threat” of climate change, rapid urbanisation and natural resource depletion.
The discussion, which was moderated by Rees, centred on the Call to Action on Sustainable Urbanisation across the Commonwealth.
The event was convened by The Prince’s Foundation and focused on cities, which consume more than two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70 per cent of all carbon emissions.
People attending the event included Commonwealth secretary general, Baroness Scotland; the executive director of UN-Habitat, Maimunah Sharif; and Rwandan environment minister, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya.
Prince Charles said: “Sustainable development is clearly critical to responding to the climate emergency. The scale of our response needs to be equal to the scale of the challenge we are facing.
“I sincerely hope the very essence of adding social, environmental and commercial value can help to inspire and guide our actions and responses in the weeks and months ahead.”
Rees tweeted: “I’ve really welcomed #PrinceCharles’ leadership on climate change and his recognition of the importance of decarbonising cities and supporting local governments.”
On Sunday, Rees was in London with mayors from across the world as they prepare to ensure that city voices are heard at COP26 in Glasgow.
London mayor Sadiq Khan is the incoming chair of C40 Cities, “a global network of mayors taking urgent action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive”.
Main photo: Commonwealth Association of Architects
Read more: Marvin Rees’ State of the City address 2021
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