Governor Gavin Newsom of California attended the UN-organized COP30 conference on Tuesday, filling a notable void this year after the U.S. chose not to send an official delegation. Newsom went to the conference “on behalf of the U.S. Climate Alliance and the America Is All In coalitions — both of which California is co-chairing,” according to a press release by the Governor’s office.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is an annual United Nations climate conference that brings together world leaders to discuss efforts and progress in tackling climate change.
Newsom signed a memorandum of understanding with Governor Helder Barbalho of Brazil’s state of Pará, to boost collaboration on wildfire prevention and forests protection.
Newsom also held a talk with Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, as well as leaders from other nations, like the German State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth and Thekla Walker, Environment Minister for the German state of Baden-Württemberg.
Newsom concluded the day by attending a ministerial meeting, where he highlighted California’s efforts to cut pollution and promote clean energy.
According to an analysis by CarbonBrief, the U.S. has sent a delegation to every COP meeting in the past, including during President Trump’s first term. “On average, the US sends a delegation of around 100 people, typically making it one of the larger groups at the talks.”
Newsom criticized the move, stating “While Donald Trump skips the world stage, California is showing up — leading, partnering, and proving what American climate leadership looks like. The world can count on California to keep leading and innovating as we build the future with cleaner air, good jobs, and economic growth.”
