The Under2 Coalition and Regions4 Network, representing over 200 ambitious states and regions around the world, have signed a new agreement to improve communications and advocacy for subnational governments.
Following the announcement of the first-ever formal Local Climate Ambition Summit at COP28, this most recent agreement between the two long-time partners strengthens leadership of states and regions in stepping up on climate action. It sheds a light on the fact that many subnational governments are struggling to cope with climate impacts now and need to share solutions to cut emissions and build resilience at the same time.
Through the working agreement, Under2 Coalition and Regions4 will focus on:
- Uniting and supporting subnational governments at international climate events, such as COPs, making sure their voices are heard and considered during climate negotiations;
- Coordinating joint member responses to international publications, such as the UN’s Global Stocktake;
- Supporting members in understanding and accessing climate finance in order to address many of the most pressing climate challenges;
- Increasing members’ engagement with the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience initiatives.
Additionally, the organisations will also push for greater collaboration between national and subnational governments, recognising that this can help to address a wide range of environmental, social and developmental challenges – particularly in the Global South.
This is a key strategy for both organizations during COP28, where subnational groups at all levels will continue to call for better integrated systems that recognise the complexity of climate change and its solutions.
Nehmat Kaur, Head of Subnational Governments and Under2 at Climate Group said: “Our strength lies in working together. This is how we will find the solutions and adaptations to the most important issue we face today: climate change. Working with Regions4, we will continue to elevate the voices of subnational governments and make sure their concerns and experiences are heard at the highest level, including at COP28.”
Jordan Harris, Regions4 Acting Secretary-General and Executive-Director said: “State and regional governments are pivotal for translating global climate ambitions into local action, actively engaging communities, building resilience and safeguarding the most vulnerable populations. This initiative is a joint effort to boost States and Regions’ voices and active involvement during international climate negotiations.”
Subnational governments are at the forefront of driving meaningful climate action, with the most significant mitigation potential of any non-state actor group, according to a 2021 NewClimate Institute report. This is recognised in the Paris Agreement, which calls explicitly on subnational and local governments in the fight against climate change and has been made a clear priority for the COP28 Presidency.
The reverberations of climate change are unmistakable, and subnational governments are taking the lead in the response to crises while spearheading the creation of adaptive solutions.