BRUSSELS, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Cities across Europe are lining up to join the regional effort to combat the threats from climate change, the European climate commissioner said Thursday.
Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said 100 European cities have committed to an initiative meant to shore up the resilience to climate change.
"Good preparation will be much cheaper than cleaning up afterwards -- and it can save lives," she said in a statement.
A mayor's initiative was launched in March. With major population centers vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, the European Union says cities can lead the way in adaptation and in efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The European Union aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy on the grid by 20 percent of from a 1990 benchmark by 2020.
European leaders meet next week to review their climate agenda. Targets for 2030 were criticized for lacking ambition.
