Under2 Coalition: A decade of local action and global impact
Since 2015, the Under2 Coalition has united subnational governments for a 1.5 degree C future. Now representing over 50% of the global economy, we’re the largest network of states and regions driving climate action.
Explore our journey and how your organisation can help shape a more sustainable, livable future.
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A decade of impact: 10 defining moments
The Under2 Coalition is launched
COP21 takes place, resulting in the pivotal Paris Agreement. Signatories of the Agreement pledge to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees C of the preindustrial average.
Alongside COP21, the Under2 Coalition is launched to support and advocate for subnational states and regions. This action by states and regions, together with ambition from cities and businesses, helps give confidence to nations to deliver an ambitious Paris Agreement.
COP22 in Marrakech
The Under2 Coalition continues to grow and build momentum through a series of high-profile global events. In Brussels, Baden-Württemberg hosted a panel on the Under2 MOU with the Four Motors for Europe. In San Francisco, the Subnational Clean Energy Ministerial brought members together to focus on clean energy. At Climate Week NYC, governments gathered and shared ideas and helped shape the Coalition’s direction.
The momentum continued at COP22 in Marrakech, where 29 additional states and regions joined the Coalition, bringing the total to 165 jurisdictions united in the fight against climate change.
A new steering group
The Under2 Coalition General Assembly is held in the margins of COP23. A steering group for the Coalition is established, to help guide its strategic direction, and 16 new states and regions join – bringing total membership to more than 200 governments.
At the Clean Energy Ministerial in Peking Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is appointed as first Global Ambassador of the Under2 Coalition, further strengthening its global leadership on climate action.
Global coordination and regional focus
The Under2 Coalition held a European members’ meeting in Brussels to align on EU climate and energy priorities, while its annual General Assembly took place alongside the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco—enhancing global visibility and welcoming 18 new members.
Climate Week NYC and project milestones
The Under2 Coalition continued to advance state and regional climate leadership, including at Climate Week NYC, where members came together to exchange knowledge and build networks.
The first phase of three major new projects—the Climate Pathway Project, the Climate Footprint Project, and the Industry Transition Platform—was completed. Work on the ZEV Community progressed, the India Climate Action Compass was launched, and new initiatives were introduced in three areas: climate finance, climate diplomacy, and methane emissions reduction.
Celebrating five years of the Under2 Coalition
The Under2 Coalition celebrates five years of impactful subnational climate leadership.
Highlights from the first five years include growing the Coalition from just 12 founding members to over 220 states and regions worldwide and expanding membership across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, and delivering major global projects to accelerate climate action.
A net zero Coalition
The Under2 Coalition pivots to become a net zero Coalition. The Under2 MOU is updated to commit signatories to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, at the latest.
Five years of the Future Fund
A unique Under2 Coalition project delivered by governments, for governments celebrates its fifth anniversary. Since 2017, the Future Fund has raised over $1,000,000, supporting subnational governments in developing and emerging economy regions to take climate action where it matters.
Uniting Leaders, Driving Change
At COP28, we joined our government members with global business representatives for the first time at our largest Under2 Coalition General Assembly to date. Breakout sessions were facilitated to enable greater cooperation and to accelerate change across sectors.
A decade of subnational climate leadership
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Under2 Coalition. Our inaugural Asia regional meeting—held at the Climate Group Asia Action Summit—was the first in a global series of ministerials celebrating a decade of subnational climate leadership and our continued commitment to collaboration, implementation, and tangible impact.
Today, the Under2 Coalition represents 183 subnational governments across 36 countries and six continents, encompassing 2 billion people.
"They call us subnationals... We are supernationals, because we can always go faster, farther than our federal governments."
Jay Inslee, Former Governor of Washington, United States
