Climate change is a global problem with local solutions. This year alone, our cities, towns, states, regions, and devolved nations have seen deadly flooding, record-breaking heatwaves, and wildfires – all while air quality continues to deteriorate and water scarcity threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions.

Correcting course on climate change will require nothing less than full-scale coordination between local, state, and global leaders as highlighted in the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities Constituency (LGMA) joint COP28 position.

However, it is clear that the targets of the Paris Agreement are quickly slipping out of reach. Despite everything that countries and their subnational governments have achieved since 2015, we are now at risk of crossing the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C threshold for global warming even sooner than expected.

This is why, on behalf of local climate leaders worldwide, we offer our thanks to you for convening the first-ever Global Delegation of Local Leaders at the COP28 World Climate Action Summit and for hosting the COP28 Local Climate Action Summit in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, alongside your widespread support in championing multilevel climate partnership.