Regional leaders agree to cut emissions by 12%

State and regional governments have agreed to cut their carbon emissions by 12.4% by 2030. The Compact of States and Regions – a group which allows participants to submit climate […]

State and regional governments have agreed to cut their carbon emissions by 12.4% by 2030.

The Compact of States and Regions – a group which allows participants to submit climate targets which it tracks and reports on – made the announcement at a report launch during COP21.

The goal is greater than China’s current annual output.

The Compact of States and Regions is a partnership with not-for-profit organisation The Climate Group, which aims to build a low carbon future.

It was launched last year at Climate Week NYC in a bid to “encourage ambition and hold sub-national governments to account” and is backed by the United Nations and supported by 44 states and regions.

These include Scotland, Wales, New York State and South Australia.

The targets are expected to cut emissions by 47.4% by 2050 – equivalent to the total world emissions in 2012.

The report includes near and long term goals and almost half of the governments involved have set 2050 targets.

In order to join, governments must make a public commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and publicly report their data each year.

Ban Ki-moonUnited Nations Secretary-General said: “The actions of state and regional governments are essential for achieving the new 2030 sustainable development agenda.

“They are close to their citizens and are uniquely placed to work with national and local governments to amplify the efforts that are needed to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.”

Heads of state from six countries as well as the World Bank President recently joined forces to urge other nations and businesses to put a price on carbon pollution.

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