City Of Houston Signs Agreements With Kingdom Of Denmark Focused On Furthering Efforts Related To Water, Climate Change, And Resilience

The City of Houston and the Kingdom of Denmark have formed a partnership to address the realities of our changing climate. On Monday, May 3, 2021, Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed Her Excellency Lone Dencker Wisborg, Ambassador of Denmark to the US, to Houston City Hall.

To commemorate the occasion, the leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to share knowledge and best practices to address mutual concerns. The MOU commits to furthering both governments' efforts to find resilient water management solutions, improve climate mitigation, advance environmental restoration, and develop efficient water and wastewater management practices.

Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock also signed an agreement with Denmark Consul General Morten Siem Lynge to explore possibilities of energy optimization and resource recovery at wastewater treatment plants.

Following the signing, participants took part in virtual and in-person discussions covering a wide range of topics, including resilience, water management, infrastructure, and climate.

“I thank Councilmember David Robinson, Chief Resilience Officer Marissa Aho, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs Christopher Olson, and all City of Houston representatives who participated in the workshops,” said Mayor Turner “It is through partnerships like this one with Denmark that allow us to meet the challenges of climate change and achieve a greener and more sustainable world. We look forward to our collaboration and knowledge sharing to provide a better quality of life for all of our citizens. If this world is to be saved, it will take each and every one of us to do it. And, as the Chair of Climate Mayors and the mayor of this city I don’t think there could be a better relationship than the one we establish with Denmark.”

Mayor Turner serves as the Chair of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of more than 470 U.S. mayors demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities.

“It is a great honor to be a partner with the City of Houston through this memorandum of understanding on important issues such as sustainable and efficient water and wastewater management, climate resiliency and urban planning,” said Ambassador Wisborg. “Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to our existence, and mitigating and adapting to climate change is one of our most important goals. Water is central to that. Houston, like Denmark, is known for innovation and science, and I am optimistic that our collaboration will be key in lowering climate impacts related to water management. I hope that it will be inspirational to multiple actors in Texas, Denmark - and beyond.”

Through this partnership, the City’s participation in the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED for Cities, Local Government Leadership Program, and other efforts, Houston continues to emerge as a climate and resilience leader.

Houston released the Resilient Houston Strategy and the Houston Climate Action Plan in 2020, the Houston Incentives for Green Development in 2019 and 10 Complete Communities Action Plans in 2018 and 2020 and is in the progress of implementing the goals, targets, and actions prioritized within these plans.