The Gas-Free Cities Declaration
Cities of all sizes commit to becoming independent from fossil gas
As Europe faces yet another energy crisis, cities across Europe are stepping up to become energy resilient and improve peoples’ everyday lives by phasing out fossil gas.
Read the Declaration Send us a message →Cities are stepping up. Across Europe, they are choosing their residents over fossil gas, committing to a future of affordable energy and a safer climate.
The Gas-Free Cities Declaration is a call to action for mayors and local governments. By signing, cities commit to setting a clear timeline for phasing out fossil gas, and to take concrete measures that protect residents and drive the shift to affordable, gas-free heating, cooking and power production.
The transition is already underway. Spain has shown what’s possible: the more you invest in renewables, the less vulnerable your communities are to volatile gas prices and political blackmail. Only homegrown, decentralised renewables can deliver real energy security and lower bills for people. And they help prevent the worst of the climate crisis.
Frequently asked questions
The Gas-Free Cities Declaration is a commitment by cities of all sizes to taking practical, near-term steps toward phasing out fossil gas. The Declaration has been initiated by Greenpeace. You can read the entire Declaration here.
Cities that sign the Declaration commit to:
– Set a city-wide phase-out date for fossil gas and take action to start the transition.
– Prioritise the deployment of renewable energies for municipal power and heat production, increase energy efficiency, electrification, and gas-free solutions for heating and cooking in people’s homes.
– Collaborate with other cities to advocate for ambitious action on regional, national and international level to speed up the energy transition.
You can read the entire Declaration here.
First of all: residents. A gas-free city means lower, more stable energy bills. Gas prices swing with geopolitical crises. Renewables don’t. Families are better protected, and the air they breathe is cleaner.
Cities benefit too. Renewables are cheaper, which frees up budget for schools, social services and public spaces. And decentralised renewable energy systems are better protected against external shocks and increase cities’ energy resilience. Also, signatories join a network that shares experience, strategies and lessons learned from cities already making the transition.
The climate benefits too. Every city that phases out fossil gas helps prevent the worst of the climate crisis, protecting communities far beyond its own borders.
When EU and national governments fail to act, cities can lead the way. Through building renovation, renewable energy, and a full fossil gas phase-out, cities can take control of their own energy future. Lower bills for residents. Healthier air. More money for public services. That’s what a gas-free city looks like.
100% renewable energy systems exist and work. Gas can be phased out by replacing it with renewables through electrification, reducing overall energy demand through efficiency and sufficiency, and developing energy storage and demand flexibility.
Several reports assess the fact that we can rely on renewable energy only. Among them, the Paris Agreement Compatible (PAC) energy scenario, created by Climate Action Network Europe (CAN Europe), shows that Europe could have 100% renewable energy supply by 2040, at least 65% greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reductions by the year 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040.
Ready to Sign?
Join the growing number of European cities committing to a gas-free future. Read the Declaration and get in touch with us.