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Local authorities have a key role in mitigating climate change. Over half of greenhouse gas emissions are created in and by cities. 80% of the population lives and works in cities, where up to 80% of energy is consumed. Local authorities, being the closest administration to the citizens are ideally positioned to understand their concerns. Moreover, they can address the challenges in a comprehensive way, facilitating the conciliation between the public and private interest and the integration of sustainable energy into overall local development goals, be it development of alternative energy, more efficient energy use or changes in behaviour. Local governments must therefore become leading actors for implementing sustainable energy policies, and must be recognised and supported in their effort.

The JRC is providing technical and methodological support to the Covenant of mayors initiative and it is carrying out research activities on the use of geolocation data for better energy policies at urban level.

To find out more about the JRC's work on similar topics, explore the related JRC portfolios: