Maria-Helena: The pandemic also aggravated many of the disparities and problems in Mandlakazi. Informal settlements and poverty in Mozambique are a clear indication of the vulnerabilities and inequities stemming from poor housing, water, sanitation and hygiene, including limited access to health services. There are also challenges because of our socioeconomic situation: it is hard to encourage people without jobs and income to follow measures like regular hand washing, social distancing, self-isolating when sick and other recommendations issued by the World Health Organization. As the virus spreads in Mozambique, we will see more people suffering from severe health consequences, not just because of limited access to health care and basic services like water and sanitation but also as a result of being forced to prioritize economic needs over health. We have seen that preparedness and early action by local governments and communities is essential. Once an outbreak occurs, it can escalate rapidly, leaving little room for further planning.
City leaders in Mandlakazi and across sub-Saharan Africa face the challenge of recovering from COVID-19 in parallel with the existing pressures of climate change, resource depletion and continued socioeconomic inequalities. To achieve this, the city has been promoting participatory governance from a gender perspective and has created several tools for participation. These include the Municipal Children’s Forum, the Municipal Youth Forum, the Municipal Women’s Forum and the Municipal Citizen Forum. Mandlakazi’s successful experience in engaging with communities through participatory approaches and gender empowerment is also critical for increasing the resilience of the city and its communities. The systematic efforts in
disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation have been enhanced by community engagement in the planning process. The focus on these two aspects, together with empowering women, is one of the biggest goals when it comes to achieving sustainable development.
What about you David? Tell me about some of the efforts in Toronto and other cities to address climate change and achieve sustainable development?
David: Well, Maria-Helena, during my time as mayor, we set out to cut Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2020, compared to the 1990 baseline. As a result, this plan, which was introduced in 2007, and the closure of a coal-fired power plant by the Ontario government, we have managed to exceed this target, reducing emissions by 33 per cent below 1990 levels. In 2017, The Toronto City Council declared a climate emergency, unanimously endorsing the TransformTO plan. Building on its predecessor from 2007 (Change is in the AIR), the new plan provides a blueprint for longer term low-carbon goals, including a 65 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner. The plan aims to simultaneously grow the city’s economy and address the links between environmental degradation and growing urban inequality. Mayors across North America are all aware of their responsibility to protect all residents from climate risks, especially people living in vulnerable communities and climate risk zones. Working collaboratively through global and regional city networks such as C40, the Global Covenant of Mayors, United Cities and Local Government, ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability and the Metropolis global
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GEO for Cities
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