| Description | “Subnational governments are partnering to advance a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Subnational Global Climate Leadership. This agreement identifies action being taken by jurisdictions around the world. This MOU will not introduce new legal constraints on participating jurisdictions but will demonstrate clear and lasting commitment to reduce emissions in the decades to come.” |
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| Goals | “The Under2 MOU brings together ambitious states and regions willing to make a number of key commitments towards emissions reduction and to help galvanize action at COP21. Central to the agreement is that all signatories agree to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 80 to 95%, or limit to 2 metric tons CO2-equivalent per capita, by 2050.” |
| Activities | “Under2 MOU is in line with scientifically established emissions levels necessary to limit global warming below 2 degrees Celsius; offers an opportunity for states, regions, and cities to share ideas and best practices on how to reduce GHGs and promote renewable energy; provides a model for other subnationals to join; builds momentum and collaboration ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris and encourages greater national ambition at those negotiations; brings international attention to the actions and ambitious reduction goals of climate leaders at a subnational level around the globe; demonstrates the collective impact of these actions and commitments across states, regions, cities, and countries; and highlights the diversity of approaches to reducing emissions.” |
The Climate Group was selected as the Under2 Coalition’s official secretariat at COP21 and secured funding to establish the first phase of the Under2 Coalition. This enabled the establishment of the secretariat, recruitment of further signatories and creation of work streams required in order to support signatories to achieve their deep decarbonization objectives.
The Under2 Coalition, a Memorandum of Understanding by subnational governments to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions towards net-zero by 2050, is generating a unique precedent for bold climate leadership, with its member states and regions surpassing 200 in number. Currently, Telangana and Chhattisgarh are signatories to this pact from India, as compared to representations from the other top emitters: 26 subnational governments in China and 24 in the U.S. Greater representation of Indian States is crucial.
The Under2 Coalition provides a global forum for sub-national governments to work together to get on a trajectory consistent with 2050 carbon neutrality. The Under2 Coalition sets the tone for bold climate leadership and provides an effective global partnership model for parties to the UNFCCC. We are sending a clear signal that net-zero by 2050 is achievable, desirable and leads to faster results.
The Under2 Coalition helped to galvanize action ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP 21) in December 2015.