Áder noted that the proposal to include “subnational” actors in the Paris agreement is also backed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He said combatting climate change was a shared interest of all countries and people, including those “who do not yet agree with UN scientists’ unanimous view” on the causes of climate change and the actions that need to be taken to fight it. The president said it was clear that the United States’ exit from the climate deal would make it harder to achieve its targets, which is why new allies are needed.

“Subnational” organisations like Under2, America’s pledge, Climate Alliance and the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy will now play even more important roles in the fight against climate change than before, Áder said. The president added that federal states, provinces, and cities would also have larger roles in combatting climate change.

These entities, based on their populations and economic strengths, will become the most important players of the Paris climate pact, Áder said, adding that letting them join the agreement is in everybody’s best interest.

Áder noted that Hungary was the first European Union member state to ratify the Paris climate accord and that Budapest was the first central European capital to join the so-called Under2 coalition, which takes its name from the Paris climate pact goal to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius as against pre-industrial levels.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.