Climate Action in Argentina's Provinces: A Provincial Approach to National Denialism

Faced with the position of the national government led by Javier Milei, which has minimized the importance of climate change and has reduced the Ministry of Environment to an Undersecretariat, the Argentine provinces have taken the initiative in climate action. In April 2025, the Argentine Green Alliance (AVA) was formed, a space for collaboration between various jurisdictions to coordinate sustainable public policies and face climate challenges at the federal level.

What is the Argentine Green Alliance?

The AVA is a network of Argentine provinces that seeks to strengthen subnational climate action. Each member province contributes its particular experience and context, allowing the exchange of good practices and the implementation of strategies adapted to its realities. Collaboration between provinces is essential to address the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.

Progress and Challenges in the Provinces

According to a report by the Foundation for the Defense of the Environment (FARN), 54% of Argentine provinces have established government areas dedicated specifically to climate change. However, progress in policy implementation varies: only eight provinces have local climate laws, and three have validated their provincial climate change response plans at the national level. In addition, international funding is limited due to the lack of national "sovereign guarantee".

Featured Provincial Initiatives

• Buenos Aires: responsible for 34% of national emissions, it is working on the development of a response plan and an energy transition plan.
• Santa Fe: Implements a plan with 35 climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
• Córdoba: He created a provincial cabinet specialized in climate change and leads the organization of the Federal Climate Parliament.
• Neuquén: It focuses on climate policy related to the monitoring and mitigation of emissions from the hydrocarbon sector, especially in the Vaca Muerta region.

Course at COP30

In October 2025, representatives from six Argentine provinces – Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Jujuy, La Pampa, Misiones and Santa Fe – will meet in Paraná to strengthen their capacity to influence the international climate agenda. This meeting is part of the roadmap towards COP30, which will be held in Belém, Brazil, and aims to consolidate a federal climate governance model.

Conclusion

Climate action in Argentina has taken a turn towards the subnational level, with provinces leading key initiatives in the absence of federal leadership on the matter. Collaboration between provinces and active participation in international forums are essential to face the challenges of climate change and guarantee a sustainable future for the country.

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