California steps in as U.S. skips climate summit

Golden State aims to build on its reputation as a global leader at talks in Belém, Brazil.

- BY HAYLEY SMITH AND MELODY GUTIERREZ

CALIFORNIA is sending a large delegation to the Conference of the Parties climate talks in Brazil.

(WAGNER MEIER Getty Images)

Nearly 200 nations are gathering in Belém, Brazil, to kick off the annual United Nations climate policy summit, but there is one glaring exception: The Trump administration is not sending any high-ranking officials.

California hopes it can fill the gap. The state, as it usually does, is sending a large delegation to the Conference of the Parties, including first-time attendee Gov. Gavin Newsom and top officials from the California Natural Resources Agency, Department of Food and Agriculture, Air Resources Board, Public Utilities Commission and Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs.

The state aims to build on its reputation as a global climate leader, sharing its experience with clean energy technology and job creation and showcasing its track record of climate agreements with other countries and regions.

Newsom, who is positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run, told The Times he “absolutely” sees California as a proxy for the U.S. at this year’s conference, which is the main global venue for countries to strengthen their commitments to reducing greenhouse gases.

“California has a responsibility, but also a unique opportunity at this moment, to remind the world that we're here, that we believe these issues matter, and that there’s an opportunity here to reinforce existing alliances and develop new ones,” the governor said.