ENVIRONMENT

California's Governor Takes a Stand on Climate Change

Belem, BrazilWed Nov 12 2025

In Brazil, California's Governor Gavin Newsom made waves at the UN climate talks. He criticized the U.S. for skipping the event, calling it a big mistake.

Newsom's Stance

  • Most senior U.S. official present
  • U.S. missing out on big opportunities by not taking climate change seriously
  • Trump administration rolling back environmental rules while other countries move forward
  • Russia and Saudi Arabia investing in green energy
  • U.S. falling behind in the race for cheap, clean energy

California's Role

  • Nearly 40 million people, major player in climate policy
  • Trump administration blocking ambitious plans like banning new gas-powered cars
  • Newsom: U.S. giving up economic power to countries like China

White House Response

  • Called Newsom's trip embarrassing
  • Trump won't let green energy hurt the U.S. economy
  • Claimed Trump's energy policies are better for the American people

Climate Change Evidence

  • Record-breaking heat
  • Wildfires and floods
  • California experiencing some of the worst wildfires in history

California's Challenges

  • Highest gas and electricity prices in the country
  • Investing in:
  • Solar power
  • Battery storage
  • Nuclear fusion

Expert Opinion

  • Sad that the U.S. federal government isn't at the talks
  • Praised other U.S. leaders like Newsom

questions

    Could the U.S. government's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement be a deliberate strategy to let other countries take the lead in green technology, only to later acquire it at a lower cost?
    How does the absence of the U.S. federal government from the UN climate talks impact global efforts to combat climate change?
    What are the potential economic consequences for the United States if it continues to lag behind other nations in green energy transition?

actions