Natural climate solutions are a critical part of fighting climate change and can help secure nearly one-third of the reductions needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Significant climate leadership in support of natural climate solutions is emerging at the subnational level in places like Brazil and the United States, where states have established climate goals that include nature. Efforts are now focused on accelerating implementation to achieve these goals alongside the many important benefits nature provides, which includes building more connections with local communities implementing these solutions. This panel will focus on the climate leadership and goals established in California, Acre, Rondonia, and Para and their efforts underway to work with local communities to facilitate implementation and progress toward their goals.