Bristol to join EU climate-neutral city programme

Bristol has been chosen to join an EU initiative, as part of an effort to create 100 climate-neutral and smart cities.

The Cities Mission will help Bristol to swiftly reach net zero and become an experimentation and innovation hubs in the hopes all other cities will follow by 2050.
Chosen out of 377 contenders, the 100 cities involved in the project will be able to bid for funding out of a pot of €360m to support climate innovation.

Those involved will be encouraged to look at areas such as urban planning, climate-neutral designs, sustainable transport methods and renewable energy.
A network for collaboration between the cities will be set up to share knowledge and support when facing the same challenges.

‘The success of the city in being accepted into this programme reflects both the ambition of the city on climate change but also its track-record of innovative action,’ said Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees. ‘Cities play such a significant role in tackling the climate emergency and often share the same challenges. New technologies and ways of doing things will be critical to rapidly reducing the city’s emissions. The opportunity to share innovation and research with cities across Europe will be a huge boost in Bristol’s climate ambitions of becoming climate neutral by 2030.’

Glasgow was the only other UK city chosen to be a part of the initiative and will receive expert, tailor-made advice and assistance and additional financing opportunities for pilot projects and demonstrations.

‘Innovation and collaboration are essential for Bristol to be able to achieve its climate goals. This programme will help the city to work with researchers and innovators, from Bristol and across Europe, to find solutions which will enable us to accelerate progress,’ said the Co-Chairs of the independent Bristol Advisory Committee on Climate Change, Jo House and James Longhurst. ‘We look forward to working with the council and city partners to help define the challenges the city is facing and where innovation and research will be most effective.’

In related news the EU has recently launched a scheme to improve climate resilience and examine the benefits of nature-based solutions in schools. 

Photo by William Chang