Remember the picture? United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon holding a report which outlines the actions of States and Regions with regards to climat change.

Because regions are implementing a variety of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, AER is joining forces with the Compact of States and Regions to encourage regions across wider Europe to make their engagement and achievements public. This cooperation was also presented on the occasion of the last meeting of the AER working group on energy and climate change.

Figures are not just numbers

At COP21, the Compact of States and Regions was hailed as one of the most impactful collective initiatives as it allowed, for the first time, to accurately reflect the level of ambition shown by states, provinces and regions around the world.

The Compact of States and Regions has very rapidly become the go-to mechanism for state, provincial and regional governments to showcase and analyse their climate efforts. 44 government leaders have already publicly submitted greenhouse gas emissions and inventory in 2015– representing more than 325 million people, one eighth of the global economy and emissions savings equivalent to China’s annual emissions by 2030.

The data provided will also be made available to the UNFCCC NAZCA platform (Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Action) to facilitate the recognition of climate action being taken by states and regions.

Be the change you want to see

To join the Compact, regional governments will be required to report:
– a public commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
– region-wide greenhouse gas inventory data.

Reporting to the Compact of States and Regions will end on Friday 15 July 2016.

Given the tight deadline, governments without existing GHG reduction targets and inventories can also join the Compact as “observer” – simply by stating their intent to develop such targets and inventory within a two-year timeframe.

In both cases, your government will be featured in the annual Disclosure Report and your climate ambition will be showcased publicly – demonstrating to the international community that your region is leading on climate change.

Compact of States and Regions Disclosure Report 2015

Compact of States and Regions webinar

Compact of States and Regions brochure