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Our environment forum supports cities in their efforts to bring about a better environment and work towards achieving sustainable development by sharing knowledge and expertise

For people living in cities, a good quality of life depends largely on the quality of the urban environment. Europe's cities are striving to provide citizens with clean air, safe water and a healthy habitat, including plenty of trees, parks and green spaces. 

Cities also play an active role in helping to stabilise the global climate and adapt to the inevitable consequences of climate change.

Working within our environment forum, our members are formulating practical and innovative ways to integrate environmental considerations into local decision making and urban planning processes.

Our environment forum also works with the EU institutions and national governments to ensure that European environmental legislation and programmes can be implemented successfully at local level, in order to both improve the urban environment and protect the global environment.

2013 priorities:

Green growth:

• developing green urban strategies in connection with the EU's 7th Environmental Action Programme (7th EAP), including issues such as urban transport, air quality, and the prevention and recycling of waste

• following up the funding streams discussed under Horizon 2020 and structural funds 2014-2020

• exchanging best practices on efficient, beneficial and balanced cooperation with large private companies

• promoting the use of sustainable energy and ensuring energy security in cities by exchanging best practices and exploring city needs when it comes to new norms and standards on smart grids and solid state lighting

Air quality and health:

• providing input to the review of EU air quality policy and noise legislation

• addressing challenges associated with public health and quality of life, such as air quality, noise, water, waste, green areas, cleanliness and others

Climate change adaptation:

• anticipating the potential consequences of climate change and developing effective adaptation measures within cities, as well as continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions