By Kay Scrimger
December 7, 2009

Representing The United States Conference of Mayors, Vice President Burnsville (MN) Mayor Elizabeth B. Kautz joined with Eurocities, the organization of European cities of 250,000 and larger, to present "The Stockholm Appeal on Climate Change," November 27 during the Eurocities 2009 General Assembly in Stockholm

Kautz said, "The Stockholm Appeal is powerful because it signifies the desire of the signatories – Conference of Mayors President Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran, Eurocities President Jozias van Aartsen, mayor of The Hague, and Stockholm Mayor Sten Nordin – 1) to see the COP 15 meeting in Copenhagen results in an international climate protection agreement; and 2) to urge heads of state in Copenhagen to recognize local governments' major contributions to climate protection."

The Appeal was handed over to representatives of the Obama Administration and the Swedish Presidency of the European Union, who will be part of the negotiations in Copenhagen.

Kautz said, "U.S. mayors gladly stand with our European counterparts in urging international recognition of the critical role local leaders play in climate protection. U.S. mayors have forced our national government to act to combat climate change. Under the leadership of Mayor Greg Nickels, who created the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, pledging to meet or beat the Kyoto goals, more than 1,001 mayors have committed to climate protection strategies in their own communities."

Founded in 1986, Eurocities is a network of major European cities, representing more than 140 large cities in over 30 European countries.

Cochran said, "Climate change observes no national boundaries – it affects every person in every nation. Mayors and their cities are the source of the most innovative and effective strategies to protect the environment. The Stockholm Appeal resounds with the message that mayors are central to the great task we face of saving the planet. We are pleased to stand with our European counterparts on this issue, and mayors will continue to use our knowledge and expertise to develop local solutions to our global problems."

Kautz also met with U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden Matthew Barzun, sworn in as Ambassador August 21. They discussed initiatives of the Ambassador in a number of areas, including strengthening business ties between Sweden and the United States, and identified several areas of potential cooperation and collaboration.

Kautz also participated in a panel discussion with five mayors from different European countries, sharing insights and information about local waste to energy, infrastructure, climate protection, and immigration policies.

"On behalf of the Conference of Mayors, I would like to express our appreciation to Eurocities for the invitation to partner with them in the Joint Appeal," Kautz said.