Two Democratic governors co-chairing the bipartisan US Climate Alliance have announced plans to lead an American delegation to the annual United Nations climate negotiations in Brazil in late 2025. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of showcasing ongoing climate action in the US to the international community.
The decision to participate in COP30 comes in the wake of the US rejoining the Paris Agreement, signaling a renewed commitment to global climate efforts. A UN official overseeing climate change negotiations expressed openness to all countries willing to engage constructively, highlighting the significance of the clean energy sector, which reached a value of $2 trillion last year.
Stressing the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, the official warned that nations failing to embrace clean energy technologies risk falling behind. This sentiment was echoed by environmental groups, with the Natural Resources Defense Council President emphasizing the need to prioritize climate action over fossil fuel production.
Despite the US leading in oil and gas production, the nation's shift towards cleaner energy sources has resulted in a surge in renewable power generation. The alliance's delegation aims to convey a message of continued climate action and cooperation on the global stage, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in combating climate change.