Policy and Governance

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.

National, local and other subnational governments need to work together to track performance and implement effective, coordinated climate action, with the aim to progressively raise local, national and global ambitions. Linking national and subnational climate reporting is a key element for effective climate governance. This report is a snapshot of the targets, performance inventories, action plans and actions from the carbonn Climate Registry (cCR), of the most widely used subnational climate action reporting systems in the world.

More data are available today than ever before. Yet too often policymakers, business leaders, and analysts cannot access the data they need to make informed decisions about the environment and human well-being. That’s why WRI and over 30 partners built Resource Watch, a dynamic platform that leverages technology, data, and human networks to bring unprecedented transparency about the planet right now. Resource Watch features hundreds of data sets all in one place on the state of the planet’s resources and citizens.

Transit-oriented development (TOD)—a planning strategy focused on building compact, mixed-use neighborhoods with access to high-quality public transport and mobility options—is key to sustainable urbanization. However, TOD can be exclusive in its design and implementation, leading to the displacement of low-income residents and the gentrification of neighborhoods.

In recognition of the importance of public finance, the global community has established several “climate funds.” These funds are designed to disburse funding to developing countries to help meet the cost of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Capitalized primarily by developed countries, the funds also serve as recognition of the greater historic responsibility these countries have for current atmospheric greenhouse gases.