California steps in as Trump skips global climate summit in Brazil

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Nearly 200 nations are gathering this week 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 in 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.World & Nation Every bit of planetary warming will have impacts beyond those already occurring, including biodiversity loss, longer heat waves and extreme rainfall.California’s strong presence at COP also marks an escalation of Newsom’s ongoing battle with President Trump.

The two have clashed over immigration and climate, with the president’s energy and environment agenda often targeting the state.The Trump administration this year canceled funding for major clean energy projects such as California’s hydrogen hub an...