Subnational Action and Ambition at COP30 Contrasts with Mostly Absent U.S. Federal Government

“It was encouraging to see and hear more than 50 state and local leaders at COP30 deliver a consistent message that they are serious about climate change and committed to science-based mitigation and adaptation,” said Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) President Daniel Bresette. “Senior representatives from leading businesses made similar statements. The reality of climate change is that we are all in this together. The Brazil Presidency purposefully elevated subnational government and private-sector engagement through the Action Agenda to link negotiated decisions with solutions on the ground. Tying international cooperation to these solutions provides a path forward to keep action and ambition alive.

“Unfortunately, delegations of members of Congress from both parties did not attend COP30 because of the shutdown. Had these delegations traveled to Brazil, even with their varied priorities, their presence would have communicated solidarity with the rest of the world. Showing up, as the saying goes, counts for a lot. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the only federal official to attend COP30, gets credit for that. The world’s largest economy has a lot to gain, and even more to lose from failing to engage.”

Watch EESI's Rapid Readout on COP30 outcomes tomorrow (Tuesday, November 25) at noon for more information and analysis. RSVP here: eesi.org/112525cop#rsvp.

EESI's UN climate summit (COP30) resources are available at eesi.org/cop30-resources.