What has been achieved within the Covenant Community?

As climate change increasingly impacts urban areas, cities and local authorities are recognised as key players in addressing this global challenge. The European Commission endorses and supports their efforts through the Covenant of Mayors, providing capacity building, technical assistance, best practice sharing and peer learning opportunities.  

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) report provides a scientific assessment of the Covenant’s pillars of climate change mitigation and adaptation. It describes the Covenant Community, the plans submitted by signatories, examines actions and measures and gives an overview on the progress made. 

Ambitious targets, but more effort needed

When it comes to mitigation, European cities are strongly committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050. 1,631 Covenant Signatories across Europe have pledged to reduce their emissions by an average of 55,2% by 2030, compared to baseline emissions. To meet their targets, they are mainly focusing on decarbonising key emitting sectors such as energy use. However, based on 676 submitted action plans with at least one monitoring report, the projected reduction is currently forecasted at 48%, revealing a gap between ambition and action, and falling short of the collective 56% target.  

These key figures highlight the urgency for signatories to intensify their efforts to meet their 2030 targets, but also the need for stronger policies, enhanced capacity-building, and greater support for local governments to bridge this gap. 

Climate hazards at the heart of cities' concerns 

Local governments are increasingly aware of the risks posed by climate change. Extreme heat, heavy precipitation, droughts, water scarcity - the list is long, and the frequency of such events is set in increase. Many Covenant signatories have identified these risks in their territories, affecting over 65 million people across Europe, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, low-income households, and those living in substandard housing. To date, more than 20,170 actions have been reported among our signatories, who are setting adaptation goals and adopting plans to address climate hazards, exposure, and vulnerabilities. 

Recognising that the effects of climate change are already being felt today, the EU’s climate adaptation strategy aims to make adaptation smarter, swifter, and more systemic. It also seeks to strengthen support for international climate resilience by encouraging the development and implementation of adaptation strategies at all levels of governance and raising awareness among local authorities, companies, and households. 

The level of governance closest to citizens  

As the level of governance closest to citizens, cities and towns play a crucial role in implementing EU's energy and climate actions on the ground. Beyond mitigation, Covenant signatories are leading the way in developing nature-based solutions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable mobility in their cities. From renewable energy projects to climate-resilient infrastructure, they seek to create more sustainable environments, improve their citizens' qualify of life and ensure a just transition that leaves no one behind. The Covenant of Mayors has been instrumental in raising awareness, providing methodologies and approaches for developing climate and energy plans. 

Learn more about the efforts of the Covenant Community in Europe here! This publication is a valuable resource for decision makers, stakeholders, and anyone interested in the progress and challenges of climate action at the local level.