This article suggests functions and design principles for a new, comprehensive framework for sub- and nonstate climate actions that could provide effective coordination.

It is published in advance of the Paris international climate summit in December 2015 (COP21). The article points to an emerging groundswell of climate actions as cities, regions, businesses, and civil society groups act on mitigation and adaptation, independently, with each other and with national governments and international organisations. It argues that Paris summit provides a historic opportunity to develop a framework to catalyse, support, and steer these initiatives. Without such a framework, the paper argues, ‘bottom-up’ governance runs the risk of failing to deliver meaningful results. Social science research highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that promotes ambition, experimentation and accountability, and avoids unnecessary overlaps.

[Adapted from source]