Global warming has become an issue that can no longer be ignored. The C40 Large Cities Climate Summit was established in recognition of the fact that city-level responses to the challenges of climate change are needed, aside from efforts at the national level. Seoul Metropolitan Government, in its 2007 eco-friendly energy declaration, said that it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by the year 2020. The city also established a standard for eco-friendly construction and continues its efforts to mitigate global warming.

On May 18, mayors from 80 cities around the world convene in Seoul. The four-day Third C40 Large Cities Climate Summit Seoul kicks off at the COEX, Seoul, at 3 p.m. with the Seoul Climate Change Expo opening ceremony. Mayors from 80 cities in 41 countries, including London, Tokyo, Toronto, Sydney, Jakarta and Sao Paulo, will attend the upcoming summit.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will give a keynote speech at the summit. Participants from around the world will exchange their experiences and know-how in responding to climate change at meetings scheduled to be held at the Hotel Shilla. On May 19 and 20, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will present a case study of Seoul's response to climate change while Kim Hyung-kook, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Green Growth, will present the Korean government's green growth policy.

The Clinton Climate Initiative, a C40 Climate Leadership Group's Partner, will suggest various methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in urban development. The "Seoul Declaration" will be adopted on May 21, the last day of the summit. The participating cities will declare their strong commitment to meeting the challenges posed by climate change and strengthening cooperation among cities toward that end.

During the summit period, Seoul Metropolitan Government will sign MOUs with several cities, including Toronto, Sao Paulo and Freiberg on various initiatives to mitigate climate change. Recognizing the need for cities to respond to climate change, major cities around the world formed the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit. The C40 Climate Leadership Group was established in London in 2005 with the participation of 18 cities.

In 2007, 51 cities participated in the second summit held in New York. Seoul is hosting the third international summit. Seoul became a member of the C40 Climate Leadership Group in 2006. The decision to host the third summit in Seoul was reached at the second summit in New York in 2007.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan City  - May 18, 2009