You hear a lot of the same words and phrases in conversations these days. In DC circles it’s probably most often “public option” and “Nobel Prize.” For NFL fans maybe “Broncos” or “Rush Limbaugh.” Hollywood gossips have replaced “Michael Jackson” with “Jon and Kate."

But for anyone paying attention to climate policy negotiations – fingers crossed there are more of you in this category than the Jon and Kate followers – one of the hottest words right now is “subnational.”

So who or what or where is subnational?

A recent ClimateWire (subscription required) article, posted from California Governor Schwarzegger’s Global Climate Summit, described the term the following way:

“Subnational, in climate change speak, is a bureaucratic term of ease (and perhaps endearment) for cities, provinces, states, towns, counties and regions. The word has been trotted out in force here by governors, mayors, diplomats and other officials looking to promote local action prior to this year's talks in Copenhagen. Their argument, which appears to have been choreographed on some level, is simple: Subnational governments are just as important as the national entities responsible for shaping an international agreement on greenhouse gas reductions in Denmark to replace the Kyoto Protocol.”

It might sound wonky, but it’s one of the most value-laden words out there. And it’s a crucial piece to the puzzle of how we as a planet swiftly and significantly reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and jumpstart a new energy economy.

Indeed, the trendy term “subnational” refers to the levels of governments – local and state – that have been the trendsetters on scores of challenges in recent years, especially on the climate front. Cities around the world have proven through their leadership and actions that strategies to reduce emissions can be successful while they save money, create jobs and foster healthier communities.

Said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson at the Global Summit: “For too many years, states, cites and towns concerned about climate change had to go it alone. In many ways, the country is once again catching up to what's happening right here."

The message that ICLEI and our partners are sending in all of the negotiating rounds leading up to Copenhagen is that national and international entities can’t just catch up to subnationals – they must include them in future agreements.

Consider this simple statement from ICLEI’s partner Ronan Dantrec, the Deputy Mayor of Nantes speaking on behalf of the United Cities and Local governments (UCLG) and a member of the Local Government Climate Roadmap partnership:

“It is not possible to save the planet without the mobilisation and participation of cities and local governments.”

Learn more about the local government role in international negotiations with our new COP primer. We're also asking local elected officials to add their voices to the chorus of subnationals by signing the World Mayors and Local Governments Climate Protection Agreement, which will be re-released in Copenhagen.

Subnationals unite!