PARIS (December 2, 2015)– The 100 Resilient Cities (100RC, pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation) initiative today announced new signatories to the 10% Resilience Pledge, with a total of 19 mayors and city leaders committing to dedicate 10 percent of their city's annual budget toward resilience-building activities throughout their term in office. The announcement was made during the Jumpstarting Resilience in Urban Areas event at COP21, co-organized by World Resources Institute.

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities also announced a new partnership with 100RC to support local efforts by helping cities mainstream resilience in overall strategic planning, mobility, water resources, and urban efficiency solutions.

Following is a statement from Ani Dasgupta, Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities:

“Cities are on the front lines of climate change. With over 80 percent of the global population living next to a body of water and at a heightened risk of being affected by climate change, we welcome the new commitments to resiliency in cities.

“With nearly all of the population growth in the next two decades taking place in cities, it is critical that resilience be embedded in long-term city planning; in urban services like water and transport that are accessible to all; and in infrastructure planning.

“The 10% Resilience Pledge make clear that resilience is becoming a priority for local governments. Cities are experiencing the impacts of climate change and taking action by building resilience to the complex problems of the 21st century including health, economy, infrastructure, environment, and more.

“Through the partnership with 100 Resilient Cities, WRI Ross Center will expand our work to new cities and help mainstream resilience into their overall strategic planning, mobility, and urban efficiency solutions. Through our on-the-ground network, we look forward to supporting many cities in their resilience and sustainable water efforts.”

More information about WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is available at WRIcities.org.