Global Governors Unite to Combat Climate Change and Deforestation: A Call to Action

When the U.N. climate conference comes to Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, the spotlight will be on major nations, but that’s not where the real progress is happening.

Only 21 countries met the deadline to update their plans to combat climate change, as required by the Paris Agreement. In contrast, the U.S. has announced its withdrawal from the pact. All eyes will be on leaders like Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the conference, leaving many feeling disconnected from the critical conversations taking place.

As someone who attended these global meetings for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand that true change is often driven by state and provincial leaders. While national leaders get caught up in political drama, local officials focus on practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and respond to climate challenges.

This week, in Brazil, several state governments are collaborating to protect tropical rainforests. They are not just discussing environmental policy; they are exploring how to restore ecosystems while also creating jobs and boosting local economies. This multi-layered approach is crucial in the fight against climate change.

Many subnational governments, like those in Pastaza, Ecuador, and Acre, Brazil, are stepping up where national leaders have faltered. They deal with the real impacts of climate change daily—rising temperatures, floods, and wildfires—so they are taking action. For instance, local agreements are popping up to tackle deforestation and promote renewable energy, revealing that many officials are committed to meaningful change.

In the U.S., governors from 22 states and territories are working in the U.S. Climate Alliance to uphold climate commitments, even amidst federal pushback. These leaders understand their local power over energy policies, land use, and waste management plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions.

Fighting Deforestation

In Ecuador, regions like Morona Santiago are engaging Indigenous communities to protect vast forest areas through partnerships. In Brazil, states are using advanced technology to monitor illegal land clearings and developing sustainable economic plans based on local resources, like acaí berries and sustainable fisheries.

Interestingly, deforestation rates in Indonesia have significantly decreased due to provincial initiatives focused on sustainable forest management. Officials have worked with companies to implement policies that benefit both their economy and the environment, showing that local action can make a significant dent in global challenges.

Support for these efforts comes from networks like the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force, which connects 43 states and territories to promote forest protection and reduced emissions. This collaborative spirit helps tackle complex issues that national governments struggle with.

The Importance of Local Leadership

Despite the challenges, local governments are finding effective solutions. Data shows that in 2023, the world lost rainforest at an alarming rate—equivalent to 10 soccer fields every minute. Yet, while many national leaders remain gridlocked on policy directions, local initiatives can be more agile and impactful.

Efforts to create a “new forest economy” will continue to evolve, focusing on the dual goals of conserving ecosystems and generating economic opportunities. The desire to protect our planet while ensuring livelihoods is a balancing act that local officials are working hard to achieve.

In summary, while the U.N. conference will highlight the struggles among world leaders, the real action is happening at the state and local levels. These leaders are showing that change is possible, even when national policies fall short.

For more in-depth insights on climate action, check out resources from organizations like the World Resources Institute.

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