November 2023 Travel Advisory Released by Mayors Office

November 30, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor Cantrell’s Journey to Dubai for COP28

Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans is set to embark on an important journey to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to attend the United Nations’ (UN) Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28. The conference, taking place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, aims to address the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on the global community.

Mayors Taking the Lead

COP28 marks a significant milestone as it provides mayors with an official platform to showcase their role as climate leaders. This conference integrates local leaders and heads of state, recognizing the crucial contribution of cities in Reducing Emissions and addressing climate risks. The Local Climate Action Summit (LCAS), hosted by the COP President and Bloomberg Philanthropies, is a groundbreaking event within COP28 that highlights the importance of cities in driving climate progress at the national level.

Mayor Cantrell’s Motivation

Mayor Cantrell emphasizes the urgency of participating in COP28 due to the increasing frequency of severe storms, heatwaves, and droughts in New Orleans. These events, attributed to climate change, have led to damage to the city’s greenspace and drinking water. By attending COP28 and collaborating with fellow leaders, experts, and advocates, Mayor Cantrell aims to take collective action to eliminate these risks and create a safer and healthier environment. She believes that New Orleans can serve as a model for other cities worldwide to adapt and thrive in a changing climate.

The Role of COP28

COP28 serves as a platform for climate leaders to engage with partners from around the world and drive conversations on building cleaner cities, fostering green job growth, and safeguarding the planet. Mayor Cantrell will represent multiple delegations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) bipartisan delegation, C40 Cities, and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI).

Key Engagements and Panels

During COP28, Mayor Cantrell will participate in various panels, meetings, and events. On December 2, she will join the MRCTI delegation to meet with Senior Advisor to President Biden for clean energy, Innovation, and Implementation, John Podesta. The focus of the meeting will be on utilizing federal funding to build infrastructure and coordinate efforts to mitigate the impacts of droughts and flooding along the Mississippi River.

In a panel discussion titled “Bold Investment for a Brighter Future,” Mayor Cantrell will showcase how New Orleans has leveraged federal funding programs to enhance climate resiliency and create jobs. Esteemed speakers in this session include Former U.S. EPA Administrator and Former National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and Mayor Andrew Ginther of Columbus, Ohio.

Mayor Cantrell will also take part in the launch of the C40 Cities Water Safe Cities Accelerator, which focuses on smart urban water policies and increasing resilience to floods and droughts. Additionally, she will meet with 9th UN Secretary-General António Guterres and discuss the importance of funding and financing for local governments during the climate negotiations at the conference.

Other engagements include participating in the Local Climate Action Summit, discussing extreme weather patterns and financing challenges faced by cities, and exploring the concept of a just transition to new green jobs.

Driving the Transition Towards a Healthier World

Mayor Cantrell’s final panel discussion will focus on the role of cities in driving the end of the fossil fuel era and building a healthier world. Joining her will be Juliet Oluoch, a C40 Youth Hub Advocate, and Cassie Sutherland, the C40 Managing Director of Climate Solutions and Networks.

Conclusion

Mayor Cantrell’s participation in COP28 demonstrates her commitment to addressing climate change and its impact on New Orleans. By collaborating with global leaders and sharing the city’s experiences, she aims to contribute to the global effort in combating the climate crisis. Mayor Cantrell will return to New Orleans on December 7, inspired and equipped with new knowledge and strategies to continue building a resilient and sustainable future for her city.

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