The thirtieth Conference of Parties (COP30) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) opened recently in Belem, Brazil to discuss, among many things, the need for more ambitious climate action (Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs), climate finance, adaptation and loss and damage. There was also discussion of implementation of the COP28 pledge to “transition away from fossil fuels,” but that proved more contentious.
The U.S. was not represented by anyone from the Trump Administration since Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement earlier this year. A number of American leaders were there, governors and mayors for the U.S. Climate Alliance (which started out in 2017 as “We are Still in”) and the C40 city alliance. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California spoke at one of the side events on behalf of the 24 states (with over half the U.S. population and GDP). New Mexico’s governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, also spoke at COP30. Former EPA director Gina McCarthy spoke on behalf of C40. Many other UNFCCC members welcome this representation from the states and cities, while recognizing that federal involvement will have to await the end of the Trump administration.
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