"Local and regional authorities (LRAs) must be fully engaged in how funds are spent to fulfil the European Green Deal as they are the level of government closest to the people. If we really want to address the real sources of emissions, we need to work on the ground. Cities generate 70% of emissions so we know best how to tackle the problem. In addition, citizens ask us questions on how we will address problems, so we are those working to respond to their concerns, such as to have cleaner air in cities." Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw made these remarks during the first Green Hour Deal chat. The event was organized by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) as part of its initiatives to raise awareness on the important role of cities and regions to fulfil the European Green Deal.
Trzaskowski added that several governments want to take all the decisions on how to spend money on their own. "This is not a good idea. We need to include as many stakeholders as possible including LRAs, organisations but also citizens. We need real consultation not fake consultations grounded in national politics." Speaking on the need of transparency in the way funds are distributed between cities and regions he said "Money is not enough. Money has to be wisely and effectively spent and not distributed by national authorities according to political criteria. Money needs to be used to address the main sources of global warning."
Trzaskowski who served as the CoR Rapporteur on the Climate Pact, an initiative to trigger public engagement on the European Green Deal, emphasized the need of having a real commitment of all levels of government (including national governments and LRAs) as well as citizens for the European Green Deal to be a success. He appealed for citizens to start with small commitments, including using bikes and public transport on weekends or when they need to travel for short distances. In this regard he said "We need to make links visible for people to understand what kind of challenge we are facing and what measures are needed to fight it. The Climate Pact is also about this: talking, increasing awareness, acting and increasing effectiveness of our actions."
Trzaskowski who was appointed by the CoR as member of the political board of the Covenant of Mayors, a movement that brings together thousands of local governments voluntarily committed to implementing EU climate and energy objectives, referred to several initiatives adopted by the City of Warsaw to fight climate change together with citizens. "Consultations on projects, participatory budgets inviting people to put forward initiatives to reach climate neutrality, activities to rais awareness and citizens' panels involving 100 citizens to make proposals on energy efficiency are some of the initiatives we are adopting."
Responding to questions from citizens who followed the debate, the Mayor spoke on the investment being made in public transport including metros, park and ride centres and bus lanes to reduce emissions. On a zero-emission zone he said that the historic zone and surroundings have been earmarked for such a measure and that a decision will be taken soon by the council. He also spoke on investment being made in bike lanes and in afforestation. In his conclusion, the Mayor also stressed the importance to invest in data as this will help to show citizens the added value of investing in sustainable projects.