At the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom has made headlines by vocally opposing former President Donald Trump’s approach to climate action. His passionate speeches highlight California’s commitment to green technology amid concerns about federal inaction.
Newsom on Climate Leadership
Attending the summit, Newsom called attention to Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, labelling it a “dumb” move that undermines collective global efforts. He stated, “The United States of America is as dumb as we want to be on this topic, but the state of California is not… We’re going to compete in this space.”
California’s Green Goals
- US$4.1 trillion economy: Newsom emphasised that California’s economy is two-thirds powered by clean energy.
- Decarbonisation target: The state aims to fully decarbonise by 2045, with measures such as banning new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
- Cap-and-Invest programme: This carbon market initiative has recently been extended until 2045, showcasing California’s ambitious climate goals.
Political Dynamics at COP30
Despite Trump’s absence from the summit, the discussion dominated by the strong presence of Democratic governors, particularly Newsom and New Mexico’s Michelle Lujan Grisham. Newsom’s rhetoric has positioned him as a stark contrast to Trump, with speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run growing.
California’s Role in Climate Action
While Trump’s policies have been described as a severe setback for national climate leadership, experts believe that states like California can chart their own paths forward. According to Champa Patel from the Climate Group, “Ultimately, it’s state-level actors that are going to implement… the real economy is shifting,” indicating that even traditionally Republican areas are embracing renewable energy.
As Newsom addresses the challenges posed by climate sceptics, he stresses the importance of relatable messaging about climate change—connecting it to economic realities that resonate with citizens. This strategy encourages individuals to engage with climate issues beyond the abstract concepts often discussed.