The Isle of Man has joined the Under2 Coalition - "the world’s largest community of state and regional governments committed to ambitious climate action in line with the Paris Agreement."

The Under2 Coalition is a coalition of sub-national governments that aims to curb the emission of greenhouse gasses.

The coalition was formed in 2015 in Sacramento, California by the US state of California and the German state of Baden- Württemberg.

The initial signatories were the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, the US states of California, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, the Brazilian state of Acre, the Mexican states Baja California and Jalisco, Baden-Württemberg in Germany, Catalonia in Spain and Wales.

The coalition has welcomed a wave of new members since the start of 2021, and now represents 1.75 billion people and 50% of the global economy.

Among the most recent arrivals are the Isle of Man, Guanajuato (Mexico), Maharashtra (India), Nevada (USA) and Northern Ireland.

In joining, the island has committed to keeping global temperature rises to well below 2°C with efforts to reach 1.5°C.

Signatories to the memorandum are also asked to submit a plan to meet the target reduction of green house gas emissions by 2 metric tonnes per capita by 2050.

Each of the governments also pledges to assist each other with scientific research, sharing of the available technologies and best practices in energy efficiency.

Tim Ash Vie, Director of the Under2 Coalition Secretariat at Climate Group, said: ’States and regions are increasingly recognised as crucial actors in the fight against climate change.

’Through the Under2 Coalition, they’re becoming more ambitious, setting long-term goals and delivering on critical climate action.

’We’re delighted to welcome so many new members from across the globe and look forward to working together to build a more sustainable, equitable future.

The Chief Minister Howard Quayle said: ’Climate change is the defining issue of our time, and UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man is committed to playing our part in tackling the global emergency.

’Our new Climate Change Bill makes a legal commitment to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while protecting our valuable ecosystems and all in our community.

’Being part of the Under2 Coalition further affirms our pledge and we look forward to collaborating with nations and states around the world to turning our net zero ambition into action.’

This news comes following the launch of environmentally friendly campaigns in the island, including the "Plastic Free Business Scheme", launched by the government earlier this month, which will be run by local beach cleaning charity Beach Buddies.