World cannot return to 'business as usual' after Covid-19, say mayors

(The Guardian, 7 May 2020) City leaders publish ‘statement of principles’ putting climate action at centre of recovery plans.

Mayors from many of the world’s leading cities have warned there can be no return to “business as usual” in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis if humanity is to escape catastrophic climate breakdown.

City leaders representing more than 750 million people have published a “statement of principles”, which commits them to putting greater equality and climate resilience at the heart of their recovery plans.

Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City and one of the signatories to the statement, said: “Half-measures that maintain the status quo won’t move the needle or protect us from the next crisis.

“We need a new deal for these times – a massive transformation that rebuilds lives, promotes equality and prevents the next economic, health or climate crisis.”

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The Guardian, 7 May 2020: World cannot return to 'business as usual' after Covid-19, say mayors