Using subnational diplomacy to combat climate change (American Foreign Service Association)

AFSA published an article that quoted the mayor of Des Moines, Iowa who connects the dots between work at the local level in America and effective global climate leadership. Connecting with and garnering support from Americans is critical to successfully implementing a national climate strategy. We now have a rare opportunity in which global, national and local momentum are aligning to overcome what is arguably the greatest existential threat to humankind. We must work collectively to harness this energy for the benefit of all Americans. Being able to partner with NGOs and multilateral institutions more directly, the State Department can open opportunities for local governments to guide investments from, say, IFPRI or the International Renewable Energy Agency into our neighborhoods, into good-paying local jobs, into more resilient infrastructure.