In recent months, we’ve seen a step-back of some nations’ climate leadership, coupled with attacks on trade and clean energy. But states and regional governments are standing firm on the frontline of climate action. In the Under2 Coalition, governments are moving faster than national and federal governments. Since 2015, they have reduced emissions by 16%, while global emissions have increased by 42%.
The Asia region is stepping up. They are dominating production and innovations in the clean energy transition. A recent report highlighted just how much solar energy is key in the region as seven major countries (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand) reduced their fossil fuel dependency. By investing in solar energy, they avoided fossil fuel costs of approximately US$34 billion from January to June 2022.
Asia’s subnational governments play a critical role in implementing these projects and ensuring climate policies create green economies at states and regional level.
Later this week business leaders, governments and policy makers – the core of Climate Group’s leadership network - will gather in Singapore for the second Climate Group Asia Action Summit. Alongside this, the Under2 Coalition will host subnational leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region with one common goal– accelerating Asia’s climate leadership and action.
For a decade, the Under2 Coalition has championed and pushed subnational climate action – supporting subnational governments to both implement and influence bold environmental policies. Through our work with states, we see first-hand how the Asia-Pacific is advancing its efforts to meet net zero targets.
In China, provinces like Jiangsu and Guangdong are leading on renewables and electric mobility, anchoring national goals with local action. Despite geopolitical challenges, China recently said it will keep battling climate change and will announce their climate action plans ahead of COP30.
In India, the states of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra are pushing their own climate action blueprints – launching green companies and investing in net zero manufacturing. Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are also building their own energy transition plans tailored to local needs.
Over in East Asia, for South Korea, the momentum is unmistakable. Chungcheongnam-do has emerged as a regional leader – committed to phasing out outdated power plants and transitioning to clean energy while prioritising a just transition for workers and communities. Through ambitious legislation, the province is transforming its economy from brown to green – setting an example for other high-emitting regions.
Located in the Asia-Pacific region, South Australia (potential future host of COP31), is advancing quickly to deliver 100% renewable energy - well on its way to develop five times its energy demand in renewables and become a net exporter of renewable electricity.
The Under2 Coalition’s Asia-Pacific network is stronger than ever, with nearly 30 subnational governments across 10 countries. They have a combined GDP of more than $6 trillion, comparable to the world’s third largest economy.
COP30’s call to action for ‘Mutirao’, (an indigenous term for collective action) is a reminder that the future is collaborative, integrated and locally driven.
From coastal states to the heartlands, Asia-Pacific’s subnational leaders are proving what’s possible when bold ambition meets action. They’re crafting bold policies, investing in clean energy and protecting their most vulnerable communities. Yet, their stories are often too unseen. This narrative must change. The United Nations new local leadership series is helping to drive this change amplifying the voice of subnational leaders.
As we approach COP30 and 10 years of the Under2 Coalition alongside the Paris Agreement, more can and must be done. If the world is serious about keeping 1.5°C alive, we must shine a spotlight on the frontiers of climate action—where the work is being done, not just promised.