As youth from across the world, frustrated by the pace at which governments world-wide are tackling climate change, prepare to strike today in a Global Climate Strike for the Future, ICLEI mayors speak out in support.

“In light of the huge global challenge all of us face in meeting the 1.5°C target, we as European Mayors join our young citizens in their urgent call for action. We will act as their close allies and play our part by further intensifying efforts to make our cities - and Europe - climate neutral” said ICLEI Europe REXCom Member, Anna-Kaisa Heinämäki, Deputy Mayor of Tampere (Finland).

Her words were echoed by Ashok Sridharan, ICLEI President and Mayor of Bonn, who added: “young people are taking to the streets for a good cause and demonstrating for all our futures. These young people are our future - and we are called upon to support their cause."

The City of Bonn has also thrown its support behind the strike - "I would be delighted if many colleagues from the City administration set an example for global climate protection" by participating, said Sridharan.

The Global Climate Strike will kick off a critical week of action and high-level meetings in New York (USA), which will shape action on climate and sustainability for the next decade. As President of ICLEI, Mayor Sridharan will attend the UN Climate Action Summit in New York on 23 September to ensure that local and national governments cooperate more closely in this important field.

For more information about the Global Climate Strike and how you can get involved, click here.