Water

Subnational governments are actively safeguarding water and natural resources and associated community well-being from climate challenges. Their actions span infrastructure development, flood management, nature-based solutions, water security, forest and watershed management, climate integration in planning, reforestation, and awareness campaigns as well as legislation and regulation.

In British Columbia, a comprehensive approach to climate risk and vulnerability assessments is being implemented. The province is expanding its hydroclimatological program to better monitor under-represented areas, providing essential data for emergency management, resource management, and climate hazard mitigation. Additionally, they are enhancing forecasting and real-time information on floods and droughts, while supporting cross-sector climate services through increased investment in the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. The ClimatEx project aims to provide fine-scale climate data for improved preparedness. In Goias, the state is monitoring climate, water availability, and quality, and sharing this information through initiatives like the Monitor de Secas to aid decision-makers and individuals in managing climate risks. In Scotland, a pilot program is investing £20 million to extend public water networks to households reliant on private supplies to combat drought effects. In California, diversifying water supply and water use efficiency are top priorities in addressing drought. In Quebec, efforts focus on improving the health index of water, and in South Australia, various measures are taken to manage water demand and diversify water supplies, including desalinated water, stormwater reuse, and economic regulation to reduce water costs. In Guanajuato, systems for rainwater capture and purification are being implemented in vulnerable households and schools. In Lombardy, legislation and planning measures regulate water usage, protect natural habitats, and increase environmental quality. The Prosegh program in Rio de Janeiro State aims to enhance water security, while the Limpa Rio program focuses on cleaning and dredging rivers and channels to prevent flooding and improve citizens’ quality of life, and KwaZulu-Natal‘s Transformative River Management Programme enhances climate resilience through community engagement and employment opportunities.

Nature

In terms of acting for nature, in the Australian Capital Territory, a pilot initiative aims to assess and manage climate change impacts on threatened species, starting with the Glossy Black-cockatoo and Gang-gang Cockatoo, while other efforts to improve biodiversity include programs like the ACT Rural Resilience Grants Program, which protect grasslands and woodlands, and the Conservation Effectiveness and Monitoring Program (CEMP), coordinating ecosystem monitoring for better management, all while implementing the Nature Conservation Strategy 2013–23 for restoration and species protection. The Catalan Government allocates 4.5 million euros for forest fire prevention, participates in the H2020 PHUSICOS project (2022-2023), implementing nature-based solutions to reduce risks in mountain area ; as well as participates in the MPA-ENGAGE project to address climate change in Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas.

In La Rioja, various measures, such as ecosystem regeneration and sustainable economic activities, are being considered to address climate change impacts. In British Columbia, the Future Forest Ecosystem Centre (FFEC) established in fall 2022 to forecast ecological disruptions and support climate adaptation by providing data, tools, and guidance. Additionally, a newly published report identifies and addresses barriers and potential solutions to using natural assets in partnerships with First Nations, while significant investments are being made to revitalize wild salmon populations. The Forest Law of the State of Campeche was updated to align with the Climate Change Law to promote sustainable use, community management, and reduce illegal logging.  Finally, Cross River State is aggressive replanting in degraded areas enhances fuelwood, food, and water security, while protecting watersheds and reducing wildfire risks. In Goias, the ABC Plan promotes pasture recovery through partnerships which emphasizing technology transfer. Events and collaborations with research and extension institutions drive knowledge dissemination. Also, the newly established State Forest Fire Management Committee aims to prevent and combat forest fires, integrate management efforts, and implement the State Forest Fire Management Plan (PEGIF) to reduce emissions, conserve biodiversity, and minimize fire severity. In Jalisco, 50 protected areas safeguard biodiversity.

Amongst Lombardy’s many activities, initiatives involve monitoring and controlling invasive alien species, establishing financial instruments for green spaces, regulating the fishing and hunting sector, promoting Natura 2000 sites, fighting forest fires, and updating laws to reduce land consumption and promote sustainability. In Paraná, a two-year pilot project seeks to develop ecosystem-based adaptation strategies for replicable use. Prince Edward Island aims to protect 7% of its land and plant 1.3 million trees annually to combat deforestation. Quebec is engaged in initiatives related to ecological corridors, zoonotic disease surveillance, permafrost mapping, and adaptation research. Rio de Janeiro State‘s Conexão Mata Atlântica Project encourages private landowners to engage in sustainable forest management and ecological restoration. Rio Grande do Sul is launching a payment program for environmental services, while Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy and peatland restoration investments target long-term resilience.

Coastal and Oceans

Subnational governments with coastal area are taking proactive measures against climate change. They integrate climate considerations into long-term planning, invest in flood defences, and use climate modeling for adaptation. Examples include publicly available flood mapping, coastal ecosystem protection, and adaptation strategies. Regions also share knowledge and promote risk awareness through various platforms. Innovative infrastructures, like inter-tidal reefs and Geobags, are being tested for enhanced coastal resilience, reflecting a comprehensive approach to address climate impacts.

Escalating sea levels and frequent coastal storms are inflicting substantial harm on coastal ecosystems and elevating risks to lives and assets. In response, subnational coastal governments are adopting proactive measures to counteract the impacts of climate change. The Catalan coast is receiving funding from the Horizon 2020 Impetus project to enhance coastal resilience in the face of climate change impacts, aiming to integrate demonstration solutions into a broader strategy for protection. British Columbia has released an Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Action Plan addressing risks to the seafood sector and coastal ecosystem. Meanwhile, Prince Edward Island has a 2-year (2022-2024) $1-Million project to improve and advance existing coastal flood hazard mapping and has completed 750 free Coastal Hazard Assessments (CHA) during 2022-2021 to evaluate properties’ vulnerability with respect to the flooding and erosion while innovative inter-tidal reefs  and nature-based solutions were tried out to protect the coastline and causeway. South Australia focuses on coastal restoration, blue carbon initiatives, and policy updates, and Quebec emphasizes coastal and maritime risk management and research on coastal vulnerabilities. In terms of planning, California has a strategic plan for beneficial fire use, and Wales has a national strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management and Scotland published it Coastal Change Adaptation Planning Guidance.

Agriculture & Food security

As the agriculture sector both contributes to and must adapt to climate change, states, provinces and regions, as detailed in CDP data, actively combat climate change in food and agriculture systems. They prioritize long-term planning, integrate climate considerations, and implement techniques like salinity monitoring and subsurface drainage. Forest ecosystem monitoring and investment in timber management regulation and restoration are also key. Collaborative efforts span governance levels, supporting vulnerable sectors such as agriculture and livestock through agroforestry, sustainable production, and conservation measures. Weather information dissemination, promotion of climate-resilient farming practices, regenerative agriculture, and emissions reduction in livestock are prominent strategies. Subnational governments also engage in carbon-reducing seaweed farming, advocate for sustainable land management, and enhance water use efficiency. Encouraging market gardening, off-season crops, and sustainable cultivation practices further bolster climate resilience in vulnerable communities and improve overall food and agriculture system sustainability.

In British Columbia, efforts include expanding the Agricultural Weather Monitoring Network to provide vital data for farmers and support agricultural decision-making in the face of climate change and extreme weather events. Additionally, they are assisting agricultural producers through programs like Extreme Weather Preparedness and Water Infrastructure, aiming to reduce vulnerabilities and improve water use efficiency for irrigation.  In Goias, the “Juntos Pelo Araguaia” program seeks to restore the 2,600-kilometer Araguaia River, vital for Brazilian agriculture, through sustainable land management, forest restoration, and water conservation. The Rural Development Plan in Lombardy incentivizes eco-friendly farming practices, supports sustainable agriculture, and integrates climate considerations, with funding allocated to numerous projects, including conservation agriculture, forest management, and investments in agricultural businesses, fostering competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability. Scotland is implementing a National Test Programme to prepare farms for sustainability and environmental resilience, while South Australia is actively promoting sustainable farming practices, efficient water use, and climate adaptation in agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors through innovative practices and research collaborations. In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, they are launching a plan to reduce carbon emissions in agriculture. Lastly, Quebec is working to double riparian buffer strips on agricultural lands to enhance water management practices in agriculture.

Human Settlements

Subnational governments are actively combating climate change in human settlements through various measures, such as extreme heat response systems, Flood Strategies and Resilience Plans, climate-resilient public buildings, support for community sustainability initiatives, heat health education, flood prevention investments, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) mandates, and sector-specific adaptation plans. Some regions are also integrating Indigenous knowledge into pilot projects and capacity-building initiatives, showcasing their dedication to climate resilience and sustainability.

In the Australian Capital Territory, the government is implementing new energy efficiency standards for residential rental properties to enhance thermal comfort and reduce emissions. Canberra has set ambitious targets for tree canopy and surface permeability to combat urban heat islands and stormwater runoff. In Catalonia, initiatives like the R&D Green call are promoting investment in climate emergency. In the Basque Country, environmental education programs are raising awareness. British Columbia is focusing on climate education, workforce development, climate-resilient buildings, floodplain mapping, and climate-resilient healthcare systems. In Campeche, air quality monitoring sensors are being used to engage the public in real-time air quality data. The Goiás Social program in Goias aims to alleviate poverty sustainably and respond to natural disasters like storms and flooding through contingency plans, ensuring the safety and recovery of affected communities, often in collaboration with other programs, while Lombardy Region is fostering sustainability through workshops, environmental education, and circular economy initiatives. In the State of Rio de Janeiro, efforts are underway to strategically restore forests through the Fluminense Forest Restoration Portfolio, funded by the Atlantic Forest Fund. This initiative aims to improve ecosystem services, water supply, and overall quality of life while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, a climate change education initiative offers free training to students, encouraging community projects related to sustainability. The State also operates a Flood Warning System to monitor and forecast flooding events effectively. The State of Rio Grande do Sul supports the formation of Municipal Committees on Climate Change. In Scotland, new building regulations address overheating and drought resilience, and a 3-day Flood Forecast system aids in flood preparedness. In South Australia, initiatives focus on bushfire risk reduction, sustainability, urban greening, and health-related climate adaptation. California emphasizes nature-based solutions to combat climate challenges, particularly in urban areas, aiming to improve urban biodiversity and address extreme heat and flooding.

Infrastructure

Subnational governments are incorporating climate change considerations into their infrastructure systems through various strategies. They focus on designing flood mitigation projects, including flood defenses and storage systems, to combat sea level rise and extreme weather events. Additionally, they invest in climate resilient infrastructure like highways, bridges, and culverts, ensuring they can withstand future climate conditions. Efforts also extend to realigning roads to avoid areas affected by sea level rise and coastal erosion, as well as enhancing weather forecasting and warning systems to prepare for major storms. Furthermore, they are conducting vulnerability assessments and implementing adaptation measures for critical assets vulnerable to erosion and flooding. This comprehensive approach demonstrates their commitment to building resilience and preparedness in the face of climate change impacts.

For instance, the Basque Country is advancing its Energy Transition and Climate Change Law, while British Columbia is investing in climate-resilient infrastructure for highways and resource roads to provide essential access to many Indigenous, rural and remote communities. Lombardy Region is strengthening its transport networks and infrastructure, emphasizing water, rail and public transport development. Prince Edward Island is focusing on coastal hazard information and infrastructure assessments, including nature-based solutions through the Infrastructure Canada’s Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI). In the State of Rio Grande do Sul, a detailed plan for the green hydrogen market’s development has been prepared, emphasizing its economic potential South Australia has introduced demand response mechanisms, technical standards, and grid stability measures, while California prioritizes green infrastructure to tackle extreme heat, flooding, and biodiversity issues.