Cities, local and regional governments are playing an increasingly decisive role in delivering practical solutions on climate action. Their proximity to communities, infrastructure systems and local economies enables faster, more targeted responses to flooding, heat, energy insecurity and economic disruption.
But subnational leadership is not only about implementation. Local government and regions often control the policy levers, regulatory frameworks and long-term planning needed to scale resilience and accelerate the transition to clean energy systems. Together with cities, they are shaping new models of climate governance that are more connected to economic delivery, public services and regional development.
This event will discuss:
- Why are cities, local government and regions delivering climate action more effectively than national governments?
- What powers and advantages do subnational governments hold?
- What barriers limit climate action in under-resourced jurisdictions, particularly in emerging economies?
- How are subnational leaders balancing immediate resilience needs with long-term transition goals?
- What does effective multilevel governance look like in an era of geopolitical fragmentation and fiscal pressure?
