COP30: China Pavilion highlights global cooperation at local level

A session focusing on global climate cooperation at the local level was held on Friday during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The event was part of the "China Pavilion" program, which began on November 10 and ran throughout COP30 as a series of side events.

The session brought together scholars, former government officials and representatives from international organizations to discuss how provinces, states and cities around the world can work together to advance emissions reduction, green transition and climate resilience.

Deborah Seligsohn, former Environment, Science and Health Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in China and now an associate professor at Villanova University, shared insights from her joint research with Hu Bin, associate professor at Tsinghua University.

During a roundtable session, experts highlighted both the achievements and challenges of climate action at the local level. They agreed that subnational cooperation is becoming one of the most dynamic and innovative components of the global climate governance system.

Participants emphasized that through city alliances, linked regional carbon markets and collaboration in green industries, local governments can translate broad climate targets into concrete, implementable actions.

Looking ahead, experts called for stronger cross-regional cooperation platforms, improved mechanisms for policy and technical exchange, and deeper collaboration in key areas such as energy transition, sustainable infrastructure and climate finance.