On March 24, Matosinhos was the stage for the conference “Cities Leading the Way Towards Climate Neutrality,” an event organized by Cidades pelo Clima and the Matosinhos City Council. The event brought together national and international experts to discuss the role of cities in the transition to climate neutrality, addressing challenges, opportunities, and innovative strategies.
The conference began with a welcome from Manuela Álvares, City Councilor of Matosinhos, followed by the opening session led by Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga and President of the General Assembly of Cidades Pelo Clima. Paulo Ferrão, President of the IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research and Interim President of the European Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, provided context on the role of cities in achieving climate neutrality, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated action.
The first panel, “National Cities Platforms – Upscaling the 100 Climate Neutral Cities Mission,” moderated by Francisco Gonçalves (NetZeroCities), featured the participation of Maria João Rodrigues (Cidades pelo Clima – Portugal), Olga Kordas (Viable Cities – Sweden) and Julio Lumbreras (CitiES2030 – Spain), who shared experiences on how national platforms can support and promote the acceleration of cities’ decarbonization trajectories.
The panel “Climate Neutrality in Mission Cities,” moderated by Sofia Cordeiro (ADENE), followed, during which Daniel Freitas (City Council of Porto), Sofia Ferreira (City Council of Guimarães), Mar Jiménez Carreté (Barcelona) and Alejandro G. Pellitero (Valladolid) presented concrete strategies adopted by cities that are part of the European Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.
Before lunch, there was also time to address the theme “The Role of Industry on Cities Decarbonisation,” featuring Rui Ferreira (CEO of Super Bock Group) and Miguel Mata (CEO of Sonae Capital Industrials), who discussed the importance of the business sector in implementing sustainable practices and reducing emissions.
The afternoon began with the panel “Climate Finance Instruments for Cities.” João Fonseca Santos (European Investment Bank), Giorgia Rambelli (Urban Transitions Mission), and Maurício Rodas (Global Commission on Urban SDG Finance Mission), moderated by Ana Fontoura Gouveia (Bank of Portugal), discussed financing opportunities to support the climate transition of cities.
The role of innovation and entrepreneurship in decarbonising cities was the focus of the next panel, moderated by Joana Mendonça (IST), with contributions from José Mota Leal (Unicorn Factory Lisboa), Inês Gonçalves (Just a Change) and Jorge Portugal (COTEC Portugal), who presented innovative solutions and sustainable business models.
The event concluded with interventions by Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy, and Luísa Salgueiro, President of the Matosinhos City Council and President of the Coordinating Council of Cidades pelo Clima, reinforcing the need for collaboration between local governments, businesses, and civil society to ensure a sustainable future.
The “Cities Leading the Way Towards Climate Neutrality” conference highlighted that climate neutrality is a global challenge that demands local and innovative solutions. The commitment of cities and the sharing of knowledge are essential to achieving a more sustainable and resilient future.
Uma transição justa e verde
Uma transição justa e verde no setor de construção exigirá a colaboração ativa entre indústria, sindicatos e setores públicos. Algumas das alavancas incluem compras públicas, gestão de ativos municipais, planeamento e controlo do desenvolvimento urbano, tributação, códigos de construção e colaboração com a indústria. Ao estabelecer regulamentações que definam padrões de sustentabilidade para edifícios, e ao adotar políticas de compras públicas que priorizem materiais de baixo carbono, as cidades podem moldar um futuro regenerativo e equitativo para as suas indústrias da construção, garantindo que a transição para a construção limpa traga benefícios tanto ambientais quanto sociais.
