‘Governator’ launches sub national climate action group

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger along with several other prominent world leaders has announced what he claims is a first-of-its-kind climate change initiative.


Announcing Regions of Climate Action, or R20 as it will be known for short, Mr Schwarzenegger aims to create a ‘worldwide group of leaders’ working on sub-national level to promote climate change fighting ideas.

The public-private alliance will be composed of sub-national governments, private and nongovernment partners.

The announcement today (November 17) marks the end of the Mr Schwarzenegger’s third climate talks at the Governor’s Global Climate Summit (GGSC3).

This was the third annual summit, which was co-hosted by Mr Schwarzenegger, and drew more than 1,500 participants from more than 80 states, provinces and countries.

“We can’t afford to wait for national and international movement, action is needed now, and action is what we’re taking with R20,” said Mr Schwarzenegger.

“The role of sub-national governments is more important than ever, and California has shown that state and regional governments can institute policies that will grow the green economy, create jobs and clean our environment.

“With this unprecedented level of cooperation and collaboration, R20 will continue this leadership around the world and will help influence national and international action.”

During its first year, the R20 will facilitate public-private partnerships, share best practices, accelerate the development of green innovations and begin implementing clean energy demonstration projects.

Within five years, said Mr Schwarzenegger, the R20 aims to have at least 20 subnational governments enact comprehensive low-carbon policies and implement projects, using successful models from progressive subnational leaders as a guide.

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe