What an incredible year for our subnational leaders. Despite the geopolitical turmoil and global climate challenges, states and regions continue to take bold climate action towards a net zero future. As we step into 2025, let’s take a look at a few #Under2Coalition highlights.
Greening subnational budgets: Finance was undoubtedly a key area of discussion in 2024 from negotiations at COP29 to talks at the G20 Summit. Subnational governments can drive effective public spending. In 2024 we launched two climate finance projects supporting our members with technical training to unlock climate finance and align public budgets with climate neutrality goals. Next Generation Budgets supported by Stiftung Mercator and in partnership with the Government of North Rhine Westphalia works with eleven states including Catalonia, Wales, and Hawaii. In Brazil, Mobilising Green Investment in Brazilian States provides states with practical tools to navigate the often complex landscape of climate finance. Also, strengthening, and highlighting Brazil's climate leadership in the run-up to COP30. Stay tuned for our new In Conversation With series- a space for our governments to lead the dialogue, sharing insights and success stories.
Taking the stage at Climate Week NYC: Forget the seat, subnational governments had the whole table at Climate Week NYC where we held the Under2 Coalition Global Ministerial attended by governors, ministers, and political leaders to discuss steps towards a just transition away from fossil fuels. In a partnership with C40 Cities, mayors, governors and subnational leaders signed a letter calling for ambitious action on fossil fuel phaseout.
States and regions show bold climate leadership at COP29 and G20: Our Under2 members from Taraba to Washington showed no signs of slowing down in Baku where we held the ninth General Assembly. Addressing the coalition, Serena McIlwain, Secretary of Environment, Maryland said: “When they tell us that we are moving too fast, we respond that we’re moving too slow.” For a quick recap of our COP29 analysis and our expectations for COP30 check out the latest episode of 50 Shades of Green Podcast featuring Executive Director for Government and Policy, Champa Patel, Director of the Under2 Coalition, Nehmat Kaur and Senior Manager, International Advocacy, Toby Walker. Missed all the action? Visit our Instagram for your daily dose of all things COP29 and all the action from week one.
Ahead of the G20 Summit, we collaborated with Regions4 and launched a joint T20 policy paper outlining recommendations that G20 nations can adopt to support the inclusion of subnational governments in the multilateral process, including financial reform discussions.
Nationally Determined Contributions(NDCs) and the role of subnational governments: Following the UK’s NDC announcement we highlighted the pivotal role of devolved governments, Wales and Scotland in driving the UK’s climate action and ensuring that the transition is just, equitable and effective. The Biden Administration revealed an equally ambitious commitment aligning with the Paris Agreement. In response, Governor Jay Inslee of Washington reaffirms the position of subnational governments, “States are well positioned to continue leading on U.S. climate action, sharing best practices and driving progress through the Under2 Coalition and US Climate Alliance.”
Our CEO Helen Clarkson led a delegation to South Korea to attend Chungnam International Conference on Carbon Neutrality where the Under2 Asia Co-Chair, Chungnam Province became the latest member of the Subnational Methane Action Coalition (SMAC). SMAC – an initiative launched by California during Climate Week NYC 2023, currently has over twenty members.
In West Kalimantan, the Future Fund project is advancing youth engagement through its support of the Green School initiative.
We end the year with six new members; Gyeonggi-do and Jeollanam-do (Korea); Cordoba (Argentina); Colorado and New Jersey (United States); and Wielkopolski (Poland)
2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Under2 Coalition – that’s 10 years of subnational leaders driving climate action, fast. The future is truly local, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards a safe and sustainable planet.