BELEM, Brazil (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has made headlines at the COP30 climate talks held in Belem, Brazil, criticizing the federal government's absence from key climate negotiations. He said the U.S. risks being left behind as a global economic power because of its failure to address climate change aggressively.
Newsom, a Democratic governor and a potential presidential candidate in 2028, leads a delegation of U.S. state leaders attending the talks, emphasizing that California continues to strive for ambitious climate initiatives despite the Trump administration's attempts to roll back significant environmental regulations.
His remarks come as he contrasts California's proactive environmental policies against Trump’s approach, which seeks to revitalize fossil fuel industries and withdraw from international agreements like the Paris Agreement. Newsom stated, You don’t matter, we don’t care, echoing the sentiment that neglecting climate discussions sets a troubling precedent for future economic and environmental health.
During the discussions, Newsom warned of the potential economic impact of climate inaction, notably ceding ground to countries like China that are investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure. This administration, his acolytes, and Congress are doubling down on stupid, he remarked, indicating a need to pivot towards sustainable practices to maintain economic competitiveness.
As climate-induced challenges such as wildfires and droughts increasingly affect California, Newsom argued that neglecting scientific evidence regarding climate change is no longer an option for leadership. He noted that California has experienced significant changes in rainfall patterns and temperature increases over the last three decades, raising alarms about the state’s readiness for future climate crises.
How about the simultaneous crisis of wildfires, drought, and floods stacked on top of each other? Newsom posed, emphasizing the urgency for national and international collaboration in addressing climate change.
While the absence of federal representation at such critical discussions is unfortunate, experts like Alden Meyer of the European think tank E3G stressed the importance of state leaders like Newsom actively participating in this global conversation, showcasing regional commitment in the face of federal inaction.
