This side event will explore how subnational governments across Mediterranean climate regions are taking bold, practical action to adapt to accelerating climate impacts — from droughts and wildfires to sea-level rise and extreme heat. These regions, found on five continents, share not only similar climatic conditions but also parallel vulnerabilities, offering a powerful opportunity for cooperation and shared learning.
The session will demonstrate how interregional collaboration—through the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP)—is transforming local experiences into scalable solutions that can be replicated across regions. It will highlight how the bioregional approach allows subnational actors to deliver tangible, measurable progress in adaptation, biodiversity protection, and resilience, while also influencing international agendas and mobilizing finance.
Subnational governments often operate closest to the impacts of climate change and are therefore uniquely positioned to implement innovative policies, strengthen community resilience, and catalyze partnerships across borders. Yet they face challenges in accessing resources, aligning policies, and gaining recognition on the global stage.
By convening key Mediterranean-climate regions—from California to Catalonia, South Australia to the Western Cape—this panel will underline the power of solidarity and knowledge exchange across continents. It will also reinforce the message that Mediterranean-climate regions are not only vulnerable frontlines but also laboratories of innovation for global adaptation efforts.
Objectives
- Raise visibility of Mediterranean regions’ adaptation needs and leadership.
- Showcase interregional collaboration and innovation in resilience.
- Strengthen solidarity and knowledge exchange among Mediterranean-climate regions.
Moderator
Sam Carter. Founding Principal of Resilient Cities Catalyst, acting as the secretariat of MCAP.
Speakers
- Sonsoles Letang. General Director for Climate Change and Environmental Quality / Government of Catalonia
- Ashia Petersen. Director, Sustainable Resource Use and Management / Government of Western Cape
- Kim Curtain. Deputy Secretary, Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Closing remarks:
Natalia Uribe. Secretary General / Regions4