The latest draft agreement from the COP26 climate summit has prompted some celebration from negotiators representing local government for its recognition of the "urgent need for multilevel and cooperative action".
The second draft of the Cop26 agreement, which is now approaching its final form after two weeks of tough talks, includes language which reflects the vital role sub-national actors will be required to play in the agenda - after a concerted push for the addition from those representing local interests at the conference.
The draft document now states in its list of decisions: “Recognizing the important role of indigenous peoples, local communities and civil society, including youth and children, in addressing and responding to climate change, and highlighting the urgent need for multilevel and cooperative action."
‘Multilevel’ is understood by those negotiating on behalf of local government to refer to governance, and mean that action should include all levels of government from local to central.
Its inclusion in the document has been met with relief following concerns over its absence from previous draft.
Frédéric Vallier, secretary general of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, speaking from COP26 to LGC said: “This is really good news, it is precisely what we were calling for".
"But we have to wait until tonight to make sure it's still in there. Sometimes things get moved in and out of the text so we don’t want to be too optimistic before the deal is struck."
Mr Vallier explained that the next step after the conference would then be "to make sure these words are really put into action".
"That will be the work of the [local] networks, to make sure the text is meaningful for programmes and that the financing is agreed," he said.
“It means that national plans for example should be discussed and negotiated between local and national governments – that when governments promote new financial measures [addressing climate change], they should be discussed with local governments and associations.”
Nick Porter, the LGA’s senior adviser on the environment, tweeted: “Win for global local government as latest draft from COP26 is 'highlighting the urgent need for multilevel and cooperative action'."
He went on to praise the LGA, the Local Governments for Sustainability global network (ICLEI), the UK100 network of UK local leaders, Core Cities and London Councils for their work in pushing for the sub-national role to be recognised.
Pippa Heylings, the LGA Lead Lib Dem on Environment, Housing & Transport Board, tweeted: "And finally the latest version of #COP26 Glasgow Agreement does 'highlight the urgent need for multilevel action and collaboration' across all levels of govt!! Thanks to so many countries who recognise the importance of local government action to achieve climate goals .”
The new draft agreement also softens commitments to reduce use of coal and other fossil fuels, asks countries to strengthen their support for poorer countries combating climate change and to reveal their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a much faster speed than previously.
The deal must be agreed by all countries at the meeting.
An Australian international negotiator LGC spoke to was “optimistic” that a deal would be struck which would have a sizeable impact on climate change, but thought it likely the negotiations would continue after 6pm this evening.
Relief as local role recognised in COP26 draft text - Local Government Chronicle
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