100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030

Mayor’s Declaration on the European Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030

Dear fellow citizens,

Welcome to the official platform of the Municipality of Kozani’s Climate City Contract.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is the greatest challenge of our time, testing the resilience of modern cities. Cities are now called upon to take the lead, adapt and protect their citizens by providing a cleaner and healthier environment.

Kozani, a region that has traditionally served as the energy “heart” of Greece, is now at the centre of a historic and far-reaching energy transition in Western Macedonia. The gradual phase-out of lignite brings significant economic and social challenges for our region, but at the same time opens the way to major opportunities. We are transforming this transition into a new development model by directing the local economy towards renewable energy sources, the circular economy, smart technologies and green jobs.

With great pride and a strong sense of responsibility, we present Kozani’s Climate City Contract for 2030. Following our selection as one of the “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities of the European Union”, we are committed to drastically reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 through targeted interventions in the energy renovation of buildings, sustainable mobility, the smart management of district heating and the digital resilience of our city.

This objective is not merely a technical plan. It is our shared vision for a resilient, modern and people-centred city. On this ambitious journey, the participation of citizens, the academic community and local stakeholders is the key to our success.

I invite you to join us as partners and active participants in this major leap towards the future. If Kozani can achieve climate neutrality, then every city in Europe can do the same.

Mayor of Kozani

Giannis Kokkaliaris