Cities and urban areas play a central role in the wellbeing of European citizens, since eighty percent live in urban areas. Cities are a major source of prosperity. They are propellers of growth that radiate vitality far into the surrounding rural areas. The competitiveness of cities is a prerequisite for the European Union's success in global competition.
Many environmental challenges are concentrated in cities. Ambient noise, traffic congestion, poor air quality, polluted land and waste problems are among the first to spring to mind. These problems are the sum of various factors, not least because of a lifestyle that promotes squandering and the freedom of the individual. Even though the assessment of environmental impact is already an everyday occurrence, it does not yet guide our decisions sufficiently.
That is why we need guiding mechanisms that guarantee a healthy environment with the help of international treaties, national norms and local government actions. Recently, climate change and energy policies have held the top spots in environmental discourse. Cities also play an important role in solving these issues, that's why it is necessary to stop the urban sprawl, especially in large cities. We have to develop means for improving urban the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the use of private transport, means that also help to rationalise energy consumption. In addition to fighting climate change, we need to prepare ourselves for its effects. Floods, storms and heavy rain can cause extensive damage especially in cities.
Fortunately, the importance of the quality of urban environment can already be seen in EU strategies. For example, the thematic strategy of EU's 6th Environment Action Programme emphasises the significance of comprehensive integrated environmental management and sustainable transport in solving the challenges concerning urban environment. It also recognises the fact that real changes to the current development can be brought about only with broad co-operation and local level actions.
In its various documents the EU promotes the role of Local Agenda 21- actions and of the Aalborg Commitments in supporting decisions that advance the sustainable development of cities. It is important that more and more cities commit to choices that guarantee our children a better environment than what current development foresees. Implementing LA21 and AC into principles that guide decision making will continue to be vital. I am happy to see that Germany emphasises urban environmental questions as a central aspect of urban policy in its presidency.
The status of city networks in promoting good policy is of the utmost importance. UBC has set a fine example over the past 15 years. Now, as the Baltic Sea is practically an inland sea for the EU, there are even more opportunities for advancing policies. I am proud that my home town, Turku, has been able to host the work of the UBC Commission on Environment and in this manner benefit the well being of the entire Baltic Sea region.
However, the good deeds of government and organisations are still not enough. Climate and energy policy as well as the objectives for the quality of urban environment can succeed only if citizens, too, realise the necessity of decisions and of personal choices. It is a challenge that concerns both national and local government as well as civic society. Even here the work of cities and city networks is vitally important.
Stefan Wallin
Minister for the Environment, Finland
