Subnational government engagement

Many sources that emit black carbon, methane and HFCs are concentrated in urban areas, home to more than 55% of the global population. These emissions are rapidy increasing.

Subnational governments can be powerful contributors in bringing positive changes. They play a critical and complementary role to national governments by enacting local and regional policies and regulations, and ensuring the sources of air pollution are compliant.

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition's platform for subnational action drives comprehensive, integrated and region-wide climate actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) that can maximize air quality, human health and climate co-benefits.

Added value of engagement

Many SLCP measures identified by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Coalition require the full engagement of subnational governments. Currently, more than 100 subnational governments are engaged in Coalition activities.  

Subnational governments that engage in the Coalition have the opportunity to:

• Empower and facilitate actions to reduce SLCPs, with a focus on integrating climate and clean air policies that reduce SLCPs
• Showcase actions and share experience on integrating climate and clean air policies in cooperation with Coalition partners and initiatives
• Access tools, including resources and scientific updates from the Coalition's Scientific Advisory Panel
• Enhance progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals

Subnational governments are also able to participate in the Coalition’s governance and activities, including:
    

• The Annual Meeting, Climate & Clean Air Ministerial and Science-Policy Dialogues
• Hubs, workstreams and strategy development
• Communications channels that inform of decisions from the Coaltion and its partners 
• Supporting the Coalition Trust Fund and decisions in programming and directing the Coalition’s initiatives

How to apply

Any interested subnational governments can request membership to the Platform. The application process is completed in three stages:   

1. The mayor or governor submits letter of request to UN Environment that explicitly states endorsement of actions to reduce SLCPs, actions already taken or planned, the contact details of a nominated focal point.
2. The Coalition Secretariat (hosted by UN Environment) analyses the request and circulates it to the Steering Committee for approval.
3. If approved, UN Environment issues a welcome letter to the applicant.

     
The request letter should be sent to:

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