By Suzanne Potter
California is sending a big delegation to Brazil this week for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP 30.
State leaders and nonprofit advocates will tout the Golden State’s leadership on this issue and learn about best practices in countries around the world.
Allison Hilliard, legislative manager for the nonprofit Climate Center, said she looks forward to watching the different countries come together to slow carbon emissions contributing to global warming.
“Some of those priorities at COP 30 that we, the Climate Center, are focusing on are how do we handle the transition away from fossil fuels,” Hilliard explained. “And how are we continuing to move towards a more electrified future?”
The Climate Center is part of the carbon dioxide removal pavilion at COP 30 and will present ideas on urban greening, soil restoration and restorative agriculture programs. Gov. Gavin Newsom will attend the conference, and serves as co-chair of the Local Leaders Forum.
The Trump administration is not participating in COP 30 and has defunded many projects for climate resiliency and renewable energy. Hilliard noted it means state and local leaders and nongovernmental organizations need to redouble their efforts.
“California is the fourth-largest economy,” Hilliard emphasized. “It is an extremely powerful player on the global market, and it needs to continue to move the needle on climate regardless of whether or not the federal administration decides to move climate policies.”
California has set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045 and conserving 30% of its lands and waters by 2030.
