Centre highlights how US cities, States can engage in global climate action

Following the recent pull-out of United States of America from the Paris Climate Agreement by the Donald Trump administration, a new study by the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law of Columbia Law School has highlighted how U.S Cities and State can be engage in international climate action.
Since Trump pulled US out of the climate deal, many cities and states in the country have increasingly seek ways to play active role in the international climate change efforts.
The report, entitled “Act Locally, Reflect Globally: A Checklist of Options for U.S. Cities and States to Engage Internationally in Climate Action,” aims at helping cities and states to demonstrate leadership in climate action, to exchange best practices, and to join the global movement towards low-emission and resilient communities.
While U.S. cities and states cannot join the Paris Agreement as Parties, the agreement emphasizes the role of “non-Party stakeholders,” promoting climate actions by cities, regions and the private sector. The Sabin Center report highlights opportunities for them to engage in international climate action.
Interested U.S. cities and states can register their commitment through the NAZCA portal, which references over 12,500 climate-related initiatives, coming from a wide range of non-Party stakeholders, including cities and regions. For more information on the NAZCA portal, please visit the UNFCCC website.
The UNFCCC secretariat has also developed its interaction with non-Party stakeholders over the last few years. U.S. cities and states are invited to participate in non-Party stakeholder activities and to submit their views on the dedicated UNFCCC website. Cities and states can also join the 2050 Pathways platform, which aims at supporting both Parties and non-Party stakeholders seeking to devise long-term, net zero-greenhouse gas, climate-resilient and sustainable development pathways.
Cities interested in taking on a commitment as part of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, an international alliance of cities and local governments which support voluntary action to address climate change.
U.S. cities and states also have the option of participating in the U.S.-China Climate-Smart/Low-Carbon Cities Initiative and identify their own commitments, or in the Under2 Coalition, which sets out minimum standards in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to taking on commitments to specific climate action or strategies, U.S. cities and states can also indicate their support for the Paris Agreement in the form of legislation or policy statements, or establish cooperative arrangements with counterparts in other countries.