Regional leaders commit to cut emissions by more than China's annual output

Madeleine Cuff
clock

Leading state and regional governments pledge to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 12.4GT by 2030

A collection of leading state and regional governments around the world yesterday announced plans to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by more than China's annual carbon output by 2030.

The governments are members of the Compact of States and Regions, a UN-backed initative which encourages regional governments to submit climate targets. They have pledged to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 12.4GT of CO2 equivalent by 2030 - more than China's total emissions in 2012. By 2050 the group has promised to cut its emissions by 47.4GT of CO2 equivalent.

The Compact was launched in September 2014 and now has 44 regional and state governments as members - including US states such as New York and California. Together the government's represent 325 million people and oversee more than $10.5tr in GDP.

The latest climate targets were unveiled in Paris on Sunday alongside the Compact's first Disclosure Report, which is the first comprehensive analysis of climate action from states, provinces, and regions around the world.

The report details the near-term and long-term carbon reduction goals set by signatories to the compact and reveals almost half of the reporting governments have set 2050 carbon targets, with most aiming to cut emissions by more than 70 per cent below their baseline year.

Speaking at the report launch yesterday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the efforts of cities and governments are crucial in the fight against climate change.

"The actions of state and regional governments are essential for achieving the new 2030 sustainable development agenda," he said in a statement. "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."

This article is part of BusinessGreen's Road to Paris hub, hosted in association with PwC.

More on Policy

EU Omnibus: Compromise deal to restrict CSRD and CSDDD to the largest companies

EU Omnibus: Compromise deal to restrict CSRD and CSDDD to the largest companies

Lawmakers agree deal to simplify CSRD and CSDDD in a bid to boost EU competitiveness and cut red tape, but reforms would still require large corporates to strengthen reporting and due diligence efforts

Stuart Stone
clock 10 October 2025 • 4 min read
CCC raises alarm over changes to ZEV mandate

CCC raises alarm over changes to ZEV mandate

In response to government's request for advice, CCC warns changes to policy could incentivise carmakers to sell more hybrids and PHEVs at the expense of BEV sales, leading to higher emissions

Michael Holder
clock 02 October 2025 • 4 min read
'The common-sense, patriotic case for clean energy': GB Energy to expand UK school and hospital solar rollout

'The common-sense, patriotic case for clean energy': GB Energy to expand UK school and hospital solar rollout

Ed Miliband to confirm plans to double the number of UK clean energy jobs over the next five years to reach 830,000 by 2030

Michael Holder
clock 30 September 2025 • 4 min read