U.S. Conference of Mayors, Wells Fargo launches climate change initiative

A newly announced year-long partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the financial institution Wells Fargo intends to study the challenges faced by municipal leaders in addressing climate change. 

Over the next year, the organizations will collaborate to produce a report on identifying those barriers along with the most effective and achievable solutions for de-carbonization, climate mitigation and climate resilience, a statement about the partnership says. The organizations will also host a series of roundtables and convenings of public, private and nonprofit leaders to identify climate risks, outline mitigation options, and flag policy and financial barriers to action. 

“Mayors and their communities face the effects of climate change every day, whether through extreme weather, damage to infrastructure, reduced health quality or other societal impacts,” said USCM President and Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez. “Action and collaboration are the only and best options, which is why we’re excited to have mayors and business leaders learning together about the best strategies for mitigation, resilience, and de-carbonization. If we want to keep our communities going and growing, business and government leaders will have to work together.” 

The report will be produced by the mayoral conference with the Wells Fargo Institute for Sustainable Finance. It’s intent specifically is to identify and publish a best practice guide to assist mayors in their efforts to de-carbonization and bolster the resiliency of their communities. When finished, it will be available electronically to over 1,400 cities, and to the broader public. 

The associated events will feature two virtual discussions on de-carbonization and climate resilience and two in person forums in regions with key climate challenges. Each will convene mayors, city staff, subject matter experts, nonprofits leaders and Wells Fargo representatives.