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Gland, Switzerland – The finalists for WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge (EHCC) have been announced with a diverse cross-section of cities recognized for their innovative actions on climate change.

The 17 finalists were selected from 66 entrants and include cities from Canada, India, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the US, each progressing to the final round of the challenge following a thorough evaluation by WWF and global management consultancy Accenture.

The EHCC project aims to mobilize action and support from cities in the global transition toward a climate-friendly future.

Cities have contributed significantly to climate change due to a history of unsustainable consumption and production patterns, and are currently responsible for over 70% of fossil fuel related carbon dioxide emissions globally. Yet cities can also be part of the solution, according to Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International:

“The Earth Hour City Challenge clearly demonstrates that strong commitments at the local level can help reverse unsustainable trends. We applaud the many local governments who have set extremely ambitious development plans to create desirable cities by providing housing, transportation and energy which improve their citizens’ quality of life while simultaneously reducing their impact on our planet – and we encourage others to follow their lead”, says Leape.

These 17 finalists have reported impressive climate actions, and exhibited a level of ambition that deserves further consideration:

Canada: Colwood, Surrey, Vancouver

India: Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi

Italy: Forli, Siena

Norway: Arendal, Oslo, Stavanger

Sweden:  Malmö, Stockholm, Uppsala

USA: Chicago, Cincinnati, San Francisco

Actions taken by these cities include the implementation of congestion charges in Stockholm and the expansion of public transport systems in Chicago and New Delhi as a means of reducing the use of private cars. Meanwhile, in Colwood and Coimbatore solar energy hubs are being developed to kick-start the transition toward widespread renewable energy use. Many of the potential Earth Hour capitals are also focusing on the refurbishment of old buildings, resource efficiency, as well as the integration of strict sustainability criteria to public procurement policies.

WWF has worked closely with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, in mobilizing cities to join the challenge and enabling their reporting through carbon Cities Climate Registry (cCCR).

“Cities are already aware of the need for measuring, reporting and verifying their actions in order to advance climate action globally. ICLEI is pleased to support the Earth Hour City Challenge as an excellent model of partnership with civil society to motivate and reward local governments for their achievements,” says Gino van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI.

An international jury of experts* has been tasked with identifying one city per country worthy of the title Earth Hour Capital. The jury will pay particular attention to cities that have developed inspiring, credible plans for low-carbon development as they strive to fulfill the everyday needs of their citizens. These capitals, together with the Global Earth Hour Capital, will be presented at a conference on March 19, 2013 in Malmö, Sweden.

Tags: earth hour