President Donald Trump's antagonism toward climate change policy should not cloud how the rest of the world views the US because many states are filling the void, California governor Gavin Newsom (D) said on Tuesday at the UN Cop 30 climate summit.
Even as the Trump administration seeks to roll back many US climate and clean energy policies, states are stepping up with their own initiatives, Newsom said, citing his state's "cap and invest" and Low Carbon Fuel Standard programs.
"I'm here because I don't want the United States of America to be a footnote at this conference. And I want you to know that we recognize our responsibility, and we recognize our opportunity," he said.
Other countries should focus on state efforts that contrast what happens in Washington, DC, according to Newsom.
"I don't want that to shape your perception of my country," he said.
The governor has been a leading voice among Democrats against the Trump administration and has indicated he could run for president in 2028. But to succeed in the next election, Democrats "have some work to do" in how they talk to voters about climate change, Newsom said.
"We have to change our language. We have to talk in terms that people understand," he said.
That means instead of discussing the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a measurement many American voters may not understand, Democrats should instead focus on the economic side of climate change. Newsom pointed to California's success in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while still growing its economy, as well as estimates that the recent rollback of clean energy incentives enacted under former president Joe Biden will cost ratepayers more this year.
"That's a kitchen table issue. That's a cost-of-living issue," he said.
In terms of the global economy, the US is at risk of falling behind China in the clean energy and electric vehicle markets, according to Newsom.
Trump "simply doesn't understand how enthusiastic President Xi [Jinping] is today that the Trump administration is nowhere to be found at Cop 30", he said.
