APCOM

Milano is one of the most important cities in the world to lead the fight against global warming. Letizia Moratti, mayor of Milano, gave the announcement yesterday, at the beginning of a two-day United Nations General Assembly debate over what to do about climate change. "Cities are ready to cooperate with national governments and international organizations to lead the change," said Letizia Moratti. The General Assembly is trying to shape overall U.N. policy on climate change, including how nations can adapt to a warmer world, and to generate support for the U.N. led negotiations that are intended to craft a new climate treaty by 2009.

"It's time for all national leaders to stand up - Moratti said - and be honest and responsible about the cost of climate change for future generations and for ourselves". The need for developing nations and the world's cities to take over the lead on the fight against global warming was a common refrain among diplomats, mayors and business leaders attending the assembly's debate. Milano's mayor talked about the success of Ecopass system, a charge based on vehicle emissions in five engine classes. Since the measure started, in the city there was a global traffic jam reduction of 12,5%. The subway passengers were 23.500 more than before. "Milano wants to host the Expo 2015 with an urban development project which is eco sustainable", Moratti said. Michael Bloomberg, New York's climate-activist major, commended Milano's commitment to fight against pollution and said the world's cities can help lead the way toward reducing global warming gases. "We are not waiting for others to act first," Bloomberg said. "I believe that the American people are prepared for our responsibility to lead by example".