Cities both contribute to, help solve climate change: London Mayor Khan

Sadiq Khan says cities account for 70% of global carbon emissions, stresses role of local leaders in climate action ahead of COP31 in Türkiye

Cities are both major contributors to climate change and key to tackling it, London Mayor Sadiq Khan told Anadolu ahead of his visit to Türkiye for the COP31 climate summit. "Just like we were responsible for it, I think we can solve it," Khan said, stressing the responsibility of urban centers to address the climate crisis. Khan, who will attend the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Antalya next month, said cities must take a leading role in reducing emissions. "It's been the cities that are responsible for the climate change, for the catastrophe we're facing. Cities across the globe emit 70% of carbon emissions, and I think we've got a responsibility to respond to that," he said. Khan, who co-chairs the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, said the network brings together 97 of the world's largest cities, representing more than 900 million people. "We have more than 900 million people in our cities, and we are leading the way in tackling climate emergencies. Many of us, two-thirds of us, have already peaked carbon emissions. We're reducing them all the time," he said. He said cities are also improving air quality and creating green jobs in sectors such as solar and wind energy and electric vehicles.   'Mayors, regional leaders playing a big role' Khan said COP31 would mark a shift toward greater participation by local and regional authorities in international climate discussions. "Unlike previous COPs, where it was just national prime ministers, national presidents, this year for the first time there will be mayors and regional leaders playing a big role. Why? Because we've got some of the solutions," he said. The mayor said he would become the first London mayor to make an official visit to Türkiye. He described Antalya's hosting of COP31 as a source of pride for Turkish communities, noting that world leaders, city officials, businesses and young people would gather to address climate challenges. Following the conference, Khan said he plans to visit Istanbul to discuss investment ties and promote London as a destination for international trade and investment. "We've got hundreds of thousands of Londoners of Turkish origin, but we face the same challenges: climate change, extreme heat, droughts, earthquakes, and that's why it's important we come together to find solutions to these challenges," he said.   Republic Day greetings to Türkiye Khan also extended congratulations to Türkiye and Turkish communities in London on Republic Day. "Republic Day is incredibly important, not just for those with links with Türkiye, but others as well," he said. He praised Türkiye's history and achievements over the past 103 years, describing the country's hosting of COP31 as another reason for national pride. "We know the rich history Türkiye has, going back thousands of years. In the last 103 years, you've seen Türkiye build on its fantastic past," Khan said. "The fact that COP31 is taking place in Antalya, in Türkiye, should be a source of pride to Turkish people, those with links to Türkiye, and I wish everyone celebrating a very happy Republic Day," he added.