Policy and Governance

Each tier of government, including the national, regional and local levels, has a unique and potentially complementary role to play in delivering low emission and climate resilient development. This means that effectively coordinated multilevel action can help nations implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This joint policy briefing explores the need for enhanced multilevel governance to implement the NDCs.

The aggregated data by and for cities provides a strong justification for diplomacy around adaptation at key events, such as the High-Level Political Forum. The report targets local and regional governments with the aim to enhance understanding of planning, implementing, measuring, and reporting on climate change adaptation. This document will help activate the necessary awareness, modalities for support, and resources for cities and regions around the world to further commit, plan, implement, monitor, evaluate, and report their climate actions, including adaptation efforts.

Paris Agreement led onto the beginning of a new era where climate action is accelerated, coordinated and properly financed. It is clear that climate action at local level is critical to ensure bottom-up results are achieved, that in turn support accomplishment of international goals and target set in Paris Agreement.  Yet we also know that local governments cannot do this alone, they need support and engagement from all levels of government.