The world is at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change, and the actions taken now will shape our future. But are we doing enough?
Advancing Local Climate Action: A Global Effort
As the world enters a new era of climate action, countries are revising their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to tackle the escalating climate crisis. With 2024 being the warmest year on record, the pressure is on to deliver more ambitious plans. However, a UN-Habitat analysis reveals a concerning gap: only 27% of the latest pledges under the Paris Agreement adequately address urban issues, despite our increasingly urbanized world.
The Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) for Climate Action is leading the charge to bridge this gap. CHAMP, launched at COP28, aims to enhance the subnational content of NDCs, ensuring that local governments are not just spectators but active participants in shaping their climate future. So far, 78 countries have pledged to include subnational governments in the creation of new NDCs, known as 'NDCs 3.0', and to incorporate their perspectives.
A Global Collaboration for Ambitious Climate Action
Here's how this initiative is making a difference in four countries:
Colombia: WRI Colombia and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development took a significant step in 2024 by engaging subnational governments in the NDC update process. They organized regional workshops in five diverse locations, bringing together youth, women, secretariats, local governments, and Indigenous and Afro-Colombian groups. This inclusive approach is vital for creating a comprehensive NDC that reflects the needs of all. WRI Colombia's Steering Committee, with its diverse membership, is working to identify and address urban challenges in the NDC 3.0.
Rwanda: In November 2024, WRI Africa, REMA, and the Ministry of Environment organized a workshop to gather district priorities for Rwanda's NDC. This inclusive process, followed by a validation workshop, ensured that local voices were heard. WRI and partners later supported a policy dialogue with district vice mayors to strengthen political support for a coordinated NDC implementation strategy.
Kenya: WRI Africa, in partnership with FLLoCA, MECCF, and the Climate Change Directorate, engaged with climate change directors from all counties. These consultations were crucial for gathering feedback on the integration of county-level climate priorities into the national NDC. WRI Kenya also facilitated a roundtable discussion on local climate finance and multi-level collaboration, demonstrating the importance of these aspects in achieving ambitious climate goals.
Ethiopia: WRI Ethiopia, in collaboration with various ministries, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector, organized a high-level workshop to initiate the NDC 3.0 process. They are now assessing subnational implementation, with a focus on Addis Ababa's energy sector. This includes consultations to understand how to localize the NDC effectively. Notably, they developed a greenhouse gas emissions estimation for Addis Ababa, a model they plan to replicate in other cities to highlight the importance of local climate action investments.
Controversy and Progress: A Delicate Balance
While these efforts are commendable, the journey is not without challenges. The inclusion of subnational governments and the integration of urban perspectives in NDCs are complex tasks. And this is the part most people miss—the intricate process of aligning local and national priorities while ensuring global climate goals are met.
The controversy lies in balancing local autonomy and national coordination. How can we ensure that subnational governments have a say in climate action without compromising the overall effectiveness of NDCs? This is a question that requires careful consideration and ongoing dialogue.
As these countries continue to advance their climate action, the world watches with anticipation. The success of these initiatives could provide valuable lessons for other nations striving to enhance their NDCs. But will these efforts be enough to meet the ambitious targets set for a sustainable future? The answer lies in the collective actions we take today and the decisions we make for tomorrow.
