You are here
Zuhal Demir becomes the European Vice-President of climate network Regions4
Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir has been elected Vice-President for Europe by the members of Regions4. Regions4 is a network of regional governments that focuses on the themes of climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development. “It is important that the different regions of the world advocate together for an ambitious, feasible and affordable policy,” says Zuhal Demir.
Global challenges require cooperation
As Vice-President, Zuhal Demir will help make regional voices more audible in the global dialogue on climate and biodiversity. At the General Assembly of Regions4, Zuhal Demir called for an ambitious global fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. For example, Zuhal Demir sees great opportunities in the EU biodiversity strategy. “When it comes to climate policy and biodiversity, we should not limit our view to Flanders alone. These global challenges require cooperation with other regions. That is why I am supporting Regions4.”
The Basque Country, Quebec, Lombardy and Wales
Regions4 gives regional governments the opportunity to make their own voices heard on the international stage. The network is also a platform for cooperation between regions. Regions4 currently has over 40 members from 21 countries and four continents worldwide, including the Basque Country, Quebec, Lombardy and Wales. As Vice-President, Minister Demir will help define the further course of action for this organisation and will also focus on further development.
Regions working together on ambitious, feasible and affordable policies
At the General Assembly of Regions4 on 18 June, Zuhal Demir called for an ambitious global fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, with regional governments worldwide playing an important role. “We cannot deny that there is an interaction between climate change and biodiversity loss. For example, the fight against drought is important to protect our fauna and flora and not to lose biodiversity. Conversely, healthy ecosystems can contribute to better absorption of CO2 from the air. It is important that the different regions of the world advocate together and ensure an ambitious, feasible and affordable policy. All of these 41 regions are close enough to their citizens to realise that affordable measures are crucial to maintaining sufficient support for climate policy.”