Nowon-gu Promotes Global Local Government Cooperation to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

Joined the International Organizations "RE100 Cities Network" and "GCoM" for Climate Crisis Response
Attending the World Local Governments Climate Summit Marks the Start of Carbon Neutral Leadership and International Cooperation

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it has significantly expanded the scope of its carbon neutrality policy initiatives by newly joining two international organizations addressing the climate crisis.

As the role of local governments in responding to the climate crisis becomes increasingly important, the district aims to strengthen its role and status as a leading carbon-neutral city by actively engaging in international cooperation beyond borders.

The international organizations that the district is newly joining are the "100% Renewable Energy Cities Network" (hereinafter "RE100 Cities Network") and the "Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy" (hereinafter "GCoM"). These are official projects of ICLEI ? Local Governments for Sustainability (hereinafter "ICLEI"), which was officially launched at the "World Summit of Local Governments" held at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in 1990.

First, the RE100 Cities Network is a global government consortium leading the transition to 100% renewable energy. In South Korea, Gyeonggi-do and Jeju-do are members, and Nowon-gu is the first local government in the Seoul metropolitan area to join. The district plans to lead urban RE100 by expanding exemplary cases of renewable energy transition such as veranda solar panel distribution and the Nowon-type power generation differential support system, as well as strengthening zero-energy building (ZEB) policies.

GCoM is considered the world's largest joint project of local governments, with over 13,000 cities as members. The covenant focuses on climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, and ensuring energy accessibility. Nowon-gu, as a new participant, will report its greenhouse gas reduction and climate adaptation efforts to the international organization (CDP) and undergo verification and evaluation according to international standards. The Nowon-gu Carbon Neutral Support Center, established last year, will be responsible for implementing the reporting and feedback system going forward.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok of Nowon-gu will attend the "World Local Governments Climate Summit," held domestically for three days starting on the 14th, to deliver a joining greeting and express aspirations. During this period, he will hold a one-on-one meeting with Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, mayor of Malm?, Sweden, the president city of ICLEI, to create opportunities for policy cooperation between the two cities.

The district is also actively participating in solidarity efforts among local governments as a member city of the domestic "Climate Crisis Response Energy Transition Local Government Council." Following its selection last year as the only carbon-neutral leading city in the metropolitan area by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Nowon-gu plans to greatly expand cooperation and exchange platforms to fulfill its responsibilities as a leading city.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, "The role and responsibility of local governments to cooperate in the climate crisis, which knows no borders, are becoming increasingly important," adding, "Through domestic and international solidarity activities, we will not only spread excellent policies but also take this as an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of the district’s carbon neutrality efforts."