California Moves to Fill the Void Left by the Federal Government on the World Stage

This week, people from around the world descended on Belém, Brazil, a gateway to the Amazon rainforest. They’re there for the United Nations’ annual climate summit, called COP30, so-named for the 30 years the meeting has been in existence.

But missing among them will be delegates from the federal government of the U.S., including President Trump, who has denied the existence of climate change. The lack of federal officials does not mean the country won’t be represented, however. Filling the void are leaders from states and cities alike. And California is leading the pack.

“California is a stable and reliable partner in low-carbon green growth,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said while attending the gathering along with several of his top climate leaders. “I’m here because I don’t want the United States of America to be a footnote at this conference.”