Porto
Climate
Pact
CONTEXT
City
Porto is the epicenter of a region with more than 1.7 million inhabitants – the Metropolitan Area of Porto.
It is the 4th most populous municipality and the 3rd most densely populated in the country.
In the last few decades, the city is getting more attractive for living, studying, and hosting businesses.
One in every five startups nationwide are in Porto and the city’s connection to academia and research centres contributed to the creation of a hub known for generating, attracting, and retaining knowledge.
Porto is an ecosystem of innovation and environmental sustainability in areas as climate action, circular economy, and protection of natural heritage.
Climate change
The stability of the global climate system is at risk as a result of the high concentration of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the global atmosphere. Mitigating these emissions is urgently needed to avoid unpredictable consequences on the natural, economic, and social systems. The European Union has been leading the way: member states should set a target of 55% reduction in 2030 and neutrality in 2050. At a national level, the Climate Framework Law of 2021 sets a reduction in emissions of at least 55% by 2030, 65% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. Reducing GHG emissions requires ambitious measures and high public and private investment, but at the same time represents an opportunity for competitiveness, employment, and social justice.
Carbon emissions in the city from the building, residential and service sectors
Carbon emission in the city from the transports sector
Total carbon
emissions in the city
in 2004 (kton. eq.)
The path towards carbon neutrality in Porto is demanding and calls for collective action for collective benefits. Porto’s neutrality can only be achieved with concrete actions carried out by all stakeholders, regardless of their size, previous action or legal personality.
The Municipality of Porto believes that a common vision and goal for decarbonization can help all stakeholders move in the same direction to fulfill a common purpose.
Therefore, with the Porto Climate Pact we intend to awaken citizens and organizations to action and to create a large community of learning, sharing ,and mutual support. Signing the Pact is voluntary, non-binding and free of charge.
The ambition is that Porto becomes the national leader in climate action, anticipating carbon neutrality.
Porto was selected by the European Commission to be part of the group of 100 Climate neutral and Smart Cities, and as a Mission City, Porto has the ambition to be a leader, at national and European level, in climate action, anticipating carbon neutrality to 2030.
85%
Municipal ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 (compared to 2004).
52,2%
Reduction of carbon emissions achieved in 2020 in Porto (compared to 2004).
Promoter
The Promoter of the Porto Climate Pact is the Municipality of Porto.
The Municipality of Porto has been monitoring Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions since 2008, through the Porto Energy Agency, and has advocated a 60% GHG reduction by 2030.
The role of the Municipality of Porto in the decarbonization of the city has been systematic, but limited, as municipal assets are only responsible for 6% of total GHG emissions. Most GHG emissions in the city come from the buildings, residential and services sectors (~50%) and transports (~40%). Hence the importance of the collective action that the Porto Climate Pact seeks to accelerate the energy transition and achieve an emissions neutral balance by 2030.
2007
Porto Energy Agency
2009
Adhesion to the Mayors’ Pact
(- 45% GHG by 2030)
2019
Porto joins the Mayors’ Pact for Climate and Energy
(- 50% GHG by 2030)
Why?
There are innumerable reasons.
The Pact allows signatories to:
- Show leadership and commitment for the economic and social development of the city.
- Cooperate in a network of ambitious stakeholders with common goals, leveraging opportunities.
- Get recognition in the sustainability and climate action areas.
- Assess the results of the proposed measures for decarbonization.
Who?
Whoever you want.
The Pact can be signed by any person or organization, regardless of size, previous action or legal personality. By subscribing one commits to:
- Establish and share concrete actions to reduce emissions.
- Involve different networks in the process of reducing GHG emissions in Porto.
- Work with local and national governments to define an enabling framework.
- Monitor and report on the progress of implemented measures to reduce emissions.
How?
It’s simple.
One should just check the Porto Climate Pact and if there is an agreement with its principles, fills it out and sends it to:
pactoparaoclima@cm-porto.pt
Membership is voluntary, non-binding and free of charge.
When?
Any time.
Joining the Porto Pact for Climate can be done at any moment.