Local leaders to combat climate change, from Morocco to India and the United States

From Morocco to India, and from the US state of California to the Canadian city of Quebec, the series “”Local leaders“The United Nations highlights how strong leadership affects the lives of people in both developing and developed countries.

On the occasion International Day of the Earth It is celebrated annually on April 22, the series aims to encourage broader climate work and show the importance of local leadership in addressing global challenges.

In this article, we review the efforts of some of the inspiring local leaders for change.

Guelmim – Wadi Noun, Morocco: Blessed Bouaida, President of the Regional Council

“The region is experiencing increasingly irregular rain, long drying periods, and inverted. This is a great pressure on our water resources, our environmental systems, and our agricultural production.

Our strategy includes investments in seawater desalination, mountain dams, resurrection of artificial groundwater, and reuse of wastewater.

This initiative achieves measurable environmental and social benefits. It enhances the ability to adapt to the climate by improving water security, enhancing the circular use of resources, and reducing fragility in rural societies, which also helps in reducing regional disparities. “

California, USA: Governor Gavin Newsum

“This year, catastrophic forest fires in Los Angeles began, but California population has long witnessed the increasing effects of climate change directly – including high temperatures, more severe drought, and stronger and more severe storms.

Since 2014, it has achieved a program [تحديد سقف الانبعاثات والاتجار فيها] More than $ 11 billion in climate investments, with more than 75 percent of these funds flowing directly to low -income societies and societies living in the front line (climate crisis).

California shows that you do not have to choose a strong economy and a bold climate leadership. “

Maharashtra, India: Panakaga Mondi, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Maharashtra is one of the five most vulnerable states of climate change. Our state has witnessed 142 harsh air events in 2024.

Our initiatives focus on removing carbon from the construction sector, stimulating electric cars, expanding green areas, enhancing agriculture capable of adapting the climate, and encouraging bamboo cultivation as an alternative to fossil fuel.

The “Mazi Vasondara Abhyan ‘” initiative (Earth’s mission), which is the main climate initiative of the state government … shows the popular mobilization force in dealing with climate challenge and emphasizes the vital role that societies can play in pushing the climate agenda.