'R20' is the name of a new initiative that seeks to bring together regional governments from across the world in order to share knowledge and push ahead with actions to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transport.
The initiative, launched in California this week (15-16 November), is being actively supported by regions across Europe.
"The signing of the Climate Action Charter by sub-national groups sends a strong message to national governments and international institutions," said Michèle Sabban, president of the Assembly of European Regions and vice-president of the Ile-de-France Regional Council.
"The message is that regions must be recognised for the actions they undertake in support of innovation and adaptation to climate change whilst global policymakers should learn from our ability to develop new forms of cooperation," she said.
Other European regions represented at the R20 launch event include Alba (Romania), Flevoland (The Netherlands), Azores (Portugal), Istria (Croatia) and Donetsk (Ukraine).
Schwarzenegger in the driving seat
The R20 initiative is based on the model of the C40 – a group of large cities committed to clean energy and energy-saving measures, which was established in 2005 and is currently chaired by Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City.
The R20 group was launched at the 3rd Governors' Global Climate Summit which took place in Davis, California, this week. This was a final opportunity for the state's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to make an impact on the world stage before his term of office comes to an end on 3 January 2011.
Schwarzenegger is very much in the driving seat of the R20, which aims to highlight the contribution that regional governments can make to tackling climate change, promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"We can't afford to wait for national and international movement. Action is needed now, and action is what we're taking with R20," the former movie star told delegates.
"The role of subnational governments is more important than ever, and California has shown that state and regional governments can institute policies that will grow the green economy, create jobs and clean our environment."
"With this unprecedented level of cooperation and collaboration, R20 will continue this leadership around the world and will help influence national and international action."
Schwarzenegger, who grew up in Austria, was a world famous body-builder and movie star before deciding to enter politics in 2003. He has regularly spoken about the need to address climate change, and in 2006 he signed a law to limit greenhouse gas emissions in California, which has more inhabitants (37 million) than any other state in the USA.
