Submit Your Climate Action Quote
Show your support for COP26. Tell us why climate action is important to you as an elected official.
The United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COPs) are global climate summits held annually to coordinate a worldwide response to climate change. This year’s 26th annual conference, also known as COP26, takes place in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31-November 12, and is particularly urgent for several reasons. It is the first COP since Paris in 2015 where nations are expected to formally update their plans for reducing emissions.
It is also the first global event focused on climate since the release of the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report in August 2021, which found that climate change is “widespread, rapid and intensifying.” The report also found that warming is accelerating and could reach the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) threshold as early as 2030.
NLC has consistently called for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across a broad sector of the economy and investments to support more sustainable communities. Local leaders need a federal partner in these efforts to support our economy and build resilient communities.
“I used to say, when I was talking about climate change, that climate change is serious, certain, and soon. But this is no longer accurate. Now it is very serious, very certain and now.”
Mathew Barlow, Ph.D. Professor of Climate Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell in the IPCC Assessment Report
Addressing climate change is a top priority of the Biden Administration, and the president has taken key actions through executive power to carry out his climate action plan. These executive actions, along with the reengagement of the U.S. in the Paris Climate Agreement, also require legislative action to establish policies and programs that help the country achieve its goals – and support the continuation of cities, towns and villages working to lead the way on climate action.
Congress is currently considering two key pieces of legislation that would advance climate change mitigation, adaptation and community resilience:
- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding for programs that would strengthen infrastructure and communities against extreme weather events, reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the transportation sector and invest in clean energy.
- The Build Back Better Act builds on those programs by providing additional funding for electric vehicles and infrastructure, building efficiency and resilience, home energy efficiency and appliance electrification rebates, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
At COP26, officials from across the globe will gather to reaffirm and recommit to climate action. Now is the time for the U.S. to boldly demonstrate our commitment to mitigating climate change and keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is needed to stave off its worst impacts.
Show Your Support
Submit Your Climate Action Quote
Show your support for COP26 by submitting a statement about why climate action is important to you as an elected official.
Tell Congress to Act
Congress is currently considering and negotiating two comprehensive bills, which together are key to the ability of local leaders to build sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Tell your Congressional leaders to act on climate now!
America is All In Pledge
“America is All In” is the most expansive coalition of leaders ever assembled in support of climate action in the United States. Led by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions Mike Bloomberg, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, CommonSpirit Health CEO Lloyd Dean and climate champions across the country, the coalition is working to cut U.S. emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Cities Race to Zero Emissions
This UN-backed global campaign is rallying cities, companies, regions and financial and educational institutions to take rigorous and immediate action to cut global emissions 50% by 2030.
SolSmart, Accessible Solar Energy
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, NLC is part of the SolSmart program that offers no-cost technical assistance from a team of national experts that work with communities to make solar energy more affordable and accessible.
Attend Virtual COP Events
- November 6: “LEED For Cities: A Catalyst for Change,” hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council and featuring Miami, FL Mayor Frances Suarez.
- November 8: “All In This Together: A Clean Energy Transition Through Municipal, State and Federal Partnership,” hosted by America Is All In and the U.S. Climate Action Center and featuring Gretna, LA Mayor Belina Constant and Greenville, MS Errick D. Simmons.
- Ongoing: Cities & Regions Multi-level Action Pavilion
- Ongoing: Water Pavilion