How World Governors Are Stepping Up in the Battle Against Climate Change and Deforestation

When the U.N. climate conference arrives in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, it might seem easy to focus on the disagreements among powerful nations. Just 21 countries managed to submit their updated climate plans in time, and the U.S. has withdrawn from the agreement.

Amidst all this tension, leaders like Brazil’s President Lula and China’s President Xi will dominate discussions. However, you might want to tune in to other voices.

As someone who has attended these conferences for years, including pivotal moments since the successful Paris Agreement in 2015, I can tell you that true progress often happens outside formal negotiations. Many state and provincial leaders are taking action to address climate change and its impacts.

For instance, this week, leaders from various regions are meeting in Brazil to discuss how to protect tropical rainforests. They aim to restore ecosystems while also creating jobs and supporting local economies.

Subnational Progress

The heart of the action in 2025 will be with state and provincial leaders from areas like East Kalimantan in Indonesia and Acre in Brazil. While some national leaders backtrack on their climate commitments, these local governments recognize the urgent need for change. They are dealing with increasing wildfires, floods, and heatwaves, sharing solutions that actually work.

Subnational entities hold significant power over policies related to energy, land use, and waste management. By leveraging this authority, they are also finding ways to reduce deforestation, boost renewable energy usage, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

In the U.S., the Climate Alliance is a coalition of governors working together to fill the void left by federal rollbacks on climate policies. This group represents about half the U.S. population and nearly 60% of its economy, showcasing the potential impact of localized efforts.

Tackling Deforestation: Success Stories

In Ecuador, regions like Pastaza and Morona Santiago are teaming up with Indigenous communities to protect millions of hectares of forest. Both Brazil’s Mato Grosso and Amapá states are utilizing technology to monitor and combat illegal land clearing. These local initiatives not only help the environment but also create economic opportunities, like sustaining local fisheries and producing high-demand products such as acaí berries.

Recent data show significant victories against deforestation. In Indonesia, aggressive sustainable forest management has led to reduced rates of deforestation compared to previous decades. Local reforms and collaborations have proven effective.

Cooperation and Future Directions

A key driver behind many of these efforts is the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force. Launched in 2008, this network now includes 43 states and provinces from 11 countries, covering vast areas of tropical forests. These leaders negotiate and collaborate to protect ecosystems while boosting economies.

While balancing environmental needs and industry demands is challenging, many governors are finding practical solutions. For instance, Pará state in Brazil is working on infrastructure projects despite environmental criticism.

In May 2025, a gathering of subnational leaders from Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Indonesia will focus on safeguarding tropical rainforests. They aim to develop a “new forest economy” that protects ecosystems and generates jobs.

The Bigger Picture

Despite climate tensions, it’s evident that subnational governments are making significant strides while national governments struggle to unite. In 2023, we lost rainforest at an alarming rate—equivalent to about 10 soccer fields every minute.

As we approach the next climate conference, it’s crucial to pay attention to these state and provincial efforts. They hold the potential for real change in the fight against climate change and and deforestation.

For more on global efforts to combat deforestation, check out Global Forest Watch. Their satellite data provides insights into forest cover changes worldwide.

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