California Governor Calls Trump ‘Temporary’
During the ongoing COP30 in Belém, Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom emerged as a prominent voice for climate action. His remarks targeted former President Donald Trump, whom he referred to as “temporary”, emphasizing the importance of sustained leadership in environmental issues.
California’s Role in Climate Leadership
With no U.S. federal delegation attending COP30 for the first time, Newsom’s presence highlighted California’s position as a climate leader. He criticized Trump’s administration for its regression on energy and climate policies, notably its exit from the Paris Agreement. Newsom described these actions as an “abomination”.
Conversations and Collaborations
Throughout the conference, Newsom engaged in high-level discussions with various leaders, including the governor of Pará, a Brazilian state, a German minister, and Brazil’s COP30 President. He showcased California’s achievements in clean energy, noting that the state operated on 100% clean electricity for nine out of ten days this year.
- Key initiatives: Eco-friendly electricity production.
- Future commitments: Rejoining the Paris Agreement under Democratic leadership.
Newsom asserted that a Democratic president would reinstate the U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement “without hesitation.” He believes that addressing climate change is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity.
Global Reactions and Perspectives
The absence of a Trump administration representative was seen as a positive development by various leaders at COP30. Many expressed concerns that U.S. participation under Trump could disrupt negotiations. Christiana Figueres, former UN Climate chief, stated that the lack of American voice at the conference was beneficial.
Despite the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement slated to take effect in January 2026, the country remains part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and will retain its participation in COP meetings.
Climate Communication Challenges
Newsom acknowledged the need for better communication regarding climate change. He mentioned the challenges of making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public, especially in addressing temperature metrics like Celsius and Fahrenheit. He stressed the importance of using relatable metaphors to foster understanding of greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, Governor Gavin Newsom’s participation at COP30 underscored California’s commitment to climate leadership, as well as the ongoing dialogue regarding the role of the U.S. in global environmental efforts.
