California Steps Up on Climate as Federal Leadership Falters: A COP28 Preview
As the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) convenes in Brazil, a critical dynamic is unfolding: while the United States federal government’s engagement is limited, California is positioning itself as a leading force in global climate action. Governor Gavin Newsom’s delegation is arriving with a robust agenda focused on forging international partnerships, showcasing triumphant state-level policies, and demonstrating that climate leadership can be a powerful economic driver. This proactive approach underscores a growing trend within COP conferences – a shift towards tangible deployment and the vital role of subnational actors in achieving enterprising climate goals.
Beyond National Pledges: California’s Proactive Diplomacy
For years, California has recognized that meaningful climate progress requires action beyond national commitments. The state’s commitment is evidenced by a network of agreements and collaborations that frequently enough surpass the pace of progress at the federal level. Newsom is expected to announce further partnerships at COP28, building on a foundation of existing collaborations that address critical areas like clean transportation, pollution reduction, and the advancement of renewable energy sources, including hydrogen.
Thes aren’t merely symbolic gestures. California’s existing agreements demonstrate a commitment to practical solutions.A memorandum of understanding with Mexico’s Baja california Energy Commission focuses on creating clean ports and bolstering grid reliability, while partnerships with Chinese provinces are tackling pollution and exploring the potential of offshore wind power. Crucially, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is actively sharing expertise and resources with international partners to improve wildfire management – a pressing global concern. (A full list of California’s international climate partnerships can be found here).
A Model for Subnational Leadership
This emphasis on state and regional initiatives is increasingly central to the COP process. “There is a whole other face of the United States – we have a lot of subnational actors, including leading states and cities and forward-looking businesses, who will be at COP showing the rest of the world that the United States does understand that it’s both in the interest of our country, as well as the global interest, to tackle climate change,” explains Rachel Cleetus, senior Policy Director at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
California’s Natural Resources Secretary, Wade Crowfoot, echoed this sentiment, stating that the world needs to recognize America remains committed to the fight, even with limited federal participation. He highlighted successful collaborations like the carbon market partnership with Quebec and a technology exchange with Denmark that improved California’s groundwater monitoring capabilities. These examples demonstrate the tangible benefits of international cooperation.
Focus on Nature-Based Solutions and Economic Opportunity
This year’s COP, held near the Amazon River delta, places a strong emphasis on forest restoration and nature-based climate solutions. California is well-positioned to contribute to this conversation, particularly through its ambitious “30×30” program – a commitment to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 (learn more about 30×30 here). The state’s pioneering 2019 Tropical Forest Standard,which sets rigorous guidelines for carbon credits related to deforestation reduction,further solidifies its leadership in this area.
Governor Newsom intends to frame climate action not as a burden, but as a defining economic opportunity. He is scheduled to address the Milken Institute’s Global Investors’ Symposium in São Paulo, emphasizing how investments in clean energy drive job creation and economic growth.California’s experience already demonstrates this potential: green jobs now outnumber fossil fuel jobs in the state by a ratio of 7 to 1. “We’re not just talking about this from the outlook of trying to be good citizens,” newsom stated. ”We’re also trying to be competitive geopolitical players. We want to dominate in the next big global industry.”
The Urgency of Action: A Stark Warning
Despite these positive developments, the overall outlook remains concerning. A recent U.N. report reveals that current emissions targets are insufficient to prevent a breach of the 1.5°C warming benchmark established by the Paris Agreement. The report indicates that pledged reductions “barely moved the needle,” and the latest submissions are inadequate.
“It’s devastating to see that now we are definitely going to breach the 1.5 C benchmark,” warns Cleetus. However,she stresses that world leaders still possess the power to enact notable emissions cuts.
california’s proactive stance at COP28 serves as a powerful reminder that climate leadership isn’t solely the responsibility of national governments.