Through its ambitious negotiated outcomes and inclusive initiatives, COP28 and the UAE Presdiency left a remarkable legacy within the three-decades-long efforts of the global climate community. The outcomes from Dubai introduce much-needed momentum for addressing the climate emergency as we enter the second phase of the Paris Agreement.
Among the successes for the LGMA, COP28 elevated multilevel action to new heights — thanks to the historic CHAMP initiative, the 2nd Urbanization and Climate Ministerial, and numerous references to "multilevel action" in the COP28 UAE Consensus — all of which are reality due to diverse and passionate engagement from the LGMA Constituency.
However, we must look forward: The real success of the COP28 outcomes will be tested at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in 2025, when the next generation of national climate plans come due. The LGMA will be pushing for multilevel action to be the defining feature of these NDCs with concrete results visible by 2030. As a "super year" for global sustainability governance, 2024 will pave this way through all three Rio Convention COPs, the 6th UN Environmental Assembly, the 12th World Urban Forum, and the UN Summit of the Future serving as milestone events for inclusive multilateralism.
Throughout the year, the LGMA Constituency will continue its leadership role by supporting a rapid operationalization of the CHAMP initiative. We will show that its pioneering good practices are already bearing fruit by COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. Until then, we must transform the "local stocktake" experiences into annual Town Hall COPs worldwide and establish strong synergies across all agendas.
The COP Presidencies Troika, a key achievement of the COP28 Presidency mandated by the UAE Consensus, unites COP28 with the next two COP Presidencies - Azerbaijan and Brazil - to drive ambitious collective climate action. The three will work on the ‘Roadmap to Mission 1.5°C’.
2024: A year of unprecedented hurdles and limitless possibilities
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, 2024 presents unparalleled potential and unprecedented challenges. It is not merely the dawn of another year but a critical juncture that demands our collective commitment to accelerating emissions reductions, fostering adaptation to protect vulnerable communities, fortifying resilience on a global scale, and safeguarding and restoring nature and biodiversity. Here is the latest news from the High-Level Champions.
Multilevel action and cooperation is at the heart of the response to the climate emergency. Cities, regions and other subnationals welcome the unprecedented inclusion in the COP28 proceedings and outcomes, which reflect their critical importance in tackling climate change and adapting to its impacts.
The progress of subnational climate advocacy from 1992 to 2023
Led by Yunus Arikan, ICLEI’s Director of Global Advocacy, these monthly webinars provide tailored content to support local governments in advocacy efforts and preparation for COP29. Join at 10:00 and 16:00 CE(S)T each month. See last month’s recording and presentation.
The Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion served as the global stage for the city climate agenda during COP28. The Pavilion brought into focus not only the challenges and needs, but also the accomplishments and commitments of local and subnational actors on climate action.
COP28 marked what we hope is the "beginning of the end" for the fossil fuel era. 2024 is expected to be pivotal for climate and sustainability initiatives, with a heightened focus on the health impacts of the climate emergency. Local and regional government representatives will play a vital role in advancing the global sustainability agenda through their participation in significant international events.
Released by UN Habitat and featuring inputs from nearly 70 experts, the report highlights the formation of the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), national commitments to climate action, and the emphasis on multilateral cooperation and financial support for climate-resilient infrastructure.
This report by Bloomberg Philanthropies provides an update on the progress made by local leaders in tackling climate change since the 2015 Paris Agreement. It highlights the shift towards bottom-up leadership and the economic and health benefits of fighting climate change.
In the latest episode of his podcast, sustainability expert Kaj Embren interviews Yunus Arikan about the pivotal role of cities and regions in shaping climate negotiations. Discover how subnational climate action is driving change both at the local and national levels.
