By Abdullahi Lukman
Taraba State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Aishat A. Barde, has called for greater recognition and support for subnational governments in global climate action, emphasizing their critical role in delivering local solutions to a global crisis.
Barde made the call on Friday during a high-level session at the 62nd Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) in Bonn, Germany.
The event, convened by the incoming COP30 Presidency and UN Climate High-Level Champions, focused on shaping the Global Climate Action Agenda ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Addressing the session, Barde underscored the urgent need to empower regional governments, noting that “subnational governments are closest to the risks – and to the solutions.”
She outlined Taraba State’s comprehensive climate initiatives, positioning the state as a model for locally driven environmental action.
Among the state’s key achievements is the transformation of the Ministry of Environment into the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, aimed at strengthening climate governance and cross-sector coordination.
Barde also highlighted grassroots outreach programs, particularly those engaging women through clean cooking campaigns.
In 2024, the state committed 5% of its budget to the Re-Greening Taraba Initiative, supporting afforestation and sustainable environmental practices.
So far, the initiative has facilitated the planting of over 2 million trees, combining native and economic species to combat land degradation and boost carbon absorption.
Taraba has also developed its first Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, which sets bold targets, including 90% renewable energy penetration by 2060, a 30% reduction in transport emissions by 2030, widespread land restoration, and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture.
Barde appealed to international institutions and climate finance mechanisms for greater collaboration and direct funding access.
While acknowledging existing support from bodies such as the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Under2 Coalition, and the Afrange African Climate Foundation, she stressed the pressing need for grants-based financing, technology transfer, and capacity building.
“Implementation happens locally,” Barde said, urging the international community to integrate the perspectives and needs of subnational entities into the global climate agenda.
Her intervention reinforced the growing consensus that regional and local governments are essential to achieving global climate targets.
As the world looks toward COP30, stakeholders are increasingly recognizing that empowering subnational actors could accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
