During this year’s COP26, many cities and regions have expressed their aspirations for bold climate action and a transition to a net-zero emissions society. Recently, ICLEI Member Regionalverband Ruhr (RVR), Germany went one step further than ambitions, announcing its commitment to achieve net-zero. The Ruhr Metropolis is ready to become a leader in this field, having signed a resolution to achieve climate neutrality by 2045.

The Ruhr Metropolis is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe, with over 5 million inhabitants, comprised of 53 municipalities and four subregions. This mosaic of local authorities have come together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, committing to leveraging all of its potential to contribute to reaching the Paris Climate Agreement commitment of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Due to its past as a major player in the industrial sector and in the generation of coal power, the Ruhr Metropolis is one of the most industrial areas in Germany. The last coal plant in the region was only shut down in December 2018, and the region continues to have one of the highest carbon footprints in Germany. This legacy makes the climate neutrality announcement an even more impressive milestone.

A representative of the Regionalverband Ruhr expressed: “Through collaborative efforts, we will not only create a more liveable Ruhr Metropolis, but also secure this industrial location with the jobs of today and tomorrow. A climate-neutral Ruhr Metropolis is socially, ecologically and economically stronger than ever.”

To read the region's Memorandum of Understanding, click here.