Subnational governments are already shifting away from fossil fuels

Subnational governments are vital to delivering a just and orderly transition away from fossil fuels—and from Quebec to Queensland, they are already showing how this transition can begin in practice. 

A new policy toolkit released by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and Under2 Coalition ahead of the April 24–29 Santa Marta conference on phasing out fossil fuel production reveals what, exactly, these governments have been doing to get it right.

In the United Kingdom, Scotland has banned both conventional and unconventional onshore oil and gas extraction, while Northern Ireland has banned onshore petroleum extraction and production. Wales has implemented a fracking moratorium, and new petroleum exploration and extraction licences have been ended.

In Australia, Queensland has banned new oil and gas development in the Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre basin, while New South Wales has banned offshore oil and gas drilling and mineral mining. Tasmania and Victoria have both introduced moratoria on fracking.

And in Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Yukon have all introduced moratoria on fracking. Quebec has prohibited hydrocarbon exploration and production, committing to close existing drill sites within 3 years. Meanwhile, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia have adopted oil and gas methane regulations. 

Together, these policies illustrate the diverse tools subnational governments are using to reduce emissions and prepare for a lower-carbon future.

"The Santa Marta conference is a critical moment for countries to turn ambition into action," said Natalie Jones, Senior Policy Advisor at IISD. 

"Subnational and national governments have a responsibility to plan for a fair and managed decline of fossil fuel production, protecting workers, communities, and climate in the process."

"Now is the time for fossil-fuel dependent regions to begin implementing concrete measures, reducing transition risks, and strengthening long-term economic resilience."

Natalie Jones, Senior Policy Advisor, IISD

On April 27, subnational leaders will come together to share their experiences and insights, helping shape discussions at the conference, which is co‑hosted by the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands and marks the first global gathering dedicated entirely to phasing out fossil fuel production while ensuring a fair transition for workers and communities.

The conference aims to build on commitments under the Paris Agreement and align with the recent Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice affirming that states have a legal duty to protect the climate.

"While subnational governments are diverse in their powers and policies, they share a common challenge: fossil fuel dependence and its cascading impacts on communities and economies," said Toby Walker, Senior Manager, International Climate Policy and Advocacy, Under2 Coalition.

"This toolkit offers a practical roadmap to move from volatility to stability, through a just and equitable transition. The urgency to act has never been greater."

Toby Walker, Senior Manager, International Climate Policy and Advocacy, Under2 Coalition.

 Leading the Transition Locally highlights actions state, regional and provincial governments are already taking. 

The policy toolkit from IISD and Under2 Coalition provides a pathway for subnational governments to go further by developing detailed, time‑bound transition roadmaps, cutting emissions from ongoing fossil fuel operations, and working with national authorities to align goals and funding.

Media contacts 

• Vanessa Power, Senior Communications Manager,  [email protected], +44 7752 403008
• Tom Nice, Senior Communications Officer, [email protected], +44 7818 301500
• Jon Grieve, Senior Communications Officer, [email protected]

About the Under2 Coalition

The Under2 Coalition is the largest global network of states and regions committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Today, the coalition represents nearly 200 individual states, regions, provinces and subnational governments—a total of more than 270 actors, totalling more than 50% of global GDP.