Explain the contribution of sub-national government to climate action.

Sub-national governments, including states, provinces, cities, and regions, play a critical role in advancing climate action and addressing the challenges of climate change. While national governments often set overarching policies and targets, sub-national governments are uniquely positioned to implement practical measures, engage local stakeholders, and drive innovation at the community level. Here are several key contributions sub-national governments make to climate action:

1. Policy Innovation and Implementation:
   Sub-national governments have the flexibility to develop and implement climate policies and initiatives tailored to local needs, priorities, and conditions. They can adopt ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy adoption, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. Through innovative policy mechanisms such as carbon pricing, renewable energy incentives, building codes, and transportation planning, sub-national governments can catalyze transformative changes in energy systems, transportation, land use, and other sectors.

2. Demonstration and Pilot Projects:
   Sub-national governments serve as laboratories for testing and showcasing climate solutions and technologies. By funding and supporting demonstration projects, pilot programs, and research initiatives, they can evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability of climate mitigation and adaptation measures. These projects provide valuable insights and lessons learned that can inform decision-making at higher levels of government and inspire replication in other jurisdictions.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
   Sub-national governments are often closer to local communities, businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders affected by climate change. They can engage these stakeholders in climate action planning, decision-making, and implementation processes, fostering collaboration, partnerships, and co-creation of solutions. By involving diverse voices and perspectives, sub-national governments can build social cohesion, equity, and support for climate initiatives, ensuring that climate action is inclusive, responsive, and socially just.

4. Infrastructure and Land Use Planning:
   Sub-national governments have authority over land use planning, infrastructure development, and zoning regulations, which profoundly influence emissions patterns and vulnerability to climate impacts. Through smart growth strategies, sustainable urban planning, and investments in resilient infrastructure, they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, promote public transit, active transportation, and green building practices, and safeguard communities from climate-related hazards such as floods, heatwaves, and sea-level rise.

5. Data Collection and Monitoring:
   Sub-national governments play a crucial role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating climate-related data, including greenhouse gas inventories, vulnerability assessments, and climate impact projections. By monitoring progress towards climate goals and tracking key indicators, they can evaluate the effectiveness of policies and interventions, identify areas for improvement, and hold themselves accountable to their constituents and stakeholders.

6. International Cooperation and Diplomacy:
   Sub-national governments can contribute to global climate efforts by sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices with their counterparts around the world. Through networks such as the Under2 Coalition, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and RegionsAdapt, sub-national governments collaborate on joint initiatives, capacity-building activities, and advocacy efforts to amplify their collective impact and influence global climate governance processes.

In conclusion, sub-national governments are indispensable actors in the fight against climate change, with the capacity to drive transformative change, foster innovation, and mobilize collective action at the local and regional levels. By leveraging their unique strengths, authorities, and resources, sub-national governments can accelerate progress towards a low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable future for all.