The Under2 Coalition is a group of subnational governments that have come together to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. The coalition was formed in May 2015 when twelve founding jurisdictions signed a memorandum of understanding in Sacramento, California. The goal of the coalition is for each member to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions consistent with a trajectory of 80 to 95 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 and/or to achieve a per capita annual emission goal of less than 2 metric tons by 2050. As of October 2022, the coalition had grown to include 270 signatories representing over 1.75 billion people and 50% of the world economy.

 

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The signatories believe that taking these actions is necessary to avoid a 2-degree Celsius rise in average global temperatures, which could cause widespread environmental harm. Members are asked to submit a plan to meet the target reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2 metric tons per capita by 2050, and each government pledges to assist each other with scientific research, sharing of available technologies, and best practices in energy efficiency.

 

The Under2 MOU was developed just before the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP 21 or Paris Agreement. The Under2 MOU allows subnational governments such as cities, counties, and states to highlight their work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was created because some subnational governments expressed frustration at the inaction of national leaders on climate change mitigation.

 

The Under2 MOU is non-binding, and the major difference between it and an international treaty is that it is an agreement between subnational governments. The Climate Group acts as the secretariat for the pact, and signatories submit their climate action plans as an appendix to the document. This is the first time that some cities and states around the world have created plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their jurisdiction.