Background on the Situation
The United States has announced that it will not be sending any high-level officials to COP30, the upcoming climate summit in Brazil starting November 10. This decision comes as President Donald Trump continues to prioritize the fossil fuel industry.
Trump, who withdrew from the Paris climate agreement twice since returning to the White House in January, was not initially planning to attend the pre-summit of world leaders in Belém. However, it now appears that no high-level negotiators will be dispatched to the talks scheduled from November 10 to 21.
“The United States will not be sending any high-level representatives to COP30,” stated an anonymous White House official.
“The President is engaging directly with world leaders on energy matters, as evidenced by his historical trade and peace agreements that emphasize energy partnerships,” the official explained.
Global Leaders’ Commitment to COP30
Brazil announced on Friday that fewer than 60 global leaders had confirmed their attendance at the November 6-7 summit of world leaders, which this year will be held separately to alleviate housing demand.
Leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Colombia, Chile, Cape Verde, and Liberia have confirmed their participation, according to their governments’ statements to AFP.
China announced that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will represent President Xi Jinping.
Trump’s Influence on Global Fossil Fuels
In recent months, Trump has been using his influence to promote fossil fuels globally. This includes threatening countries with retaliation if they adopt a carbon pricing system through the United Nations Organization for Maritime Affairs.
Climate Activists’ Concerns
Climate activists fear that the US government might attempt to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the treaty that underpins the Paris Agreement. This move could prevent future US administrations from rejoining the accord, though it’s unclear if the government has the legal authority to annul a treaty ratified by the Senate.
Local Leaders’ Participation
Despite the Trump administration’s stance, over 100 state and local US leaders, including governors and mayors, are expected to participate in the Belém talks.
“We will be present in large numbers,” Gina McCarthy, co-chair of the ‘America Is All In’ coalition, told reporters on Thursday. McCarthy served as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator during Barack Obama’s presidency and advised his successor, Joe Biden.
The group heading to Brazil represents “two-thirds of the US population, three-quarters of its GDP, and more than half of its emissions,” McCarthy clarified.
“We will fulfill the promises made to the American people and our international partners,” she stated. “These local leaders have the authority to act on their own, taking climate action both nationally and internationally.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is COP30? COP30 refers to the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a global climate change conference.
- Who is Donald Trump? Donald Trump is the President of the United States, who has been in office since January 2017. He has taken actions to prioritize the fossil fuel industry and withdraw from international climate agreements.
- What is the Paris Agreement? The Paris Agreement is a historic international accord adopted in 2015, with the aim of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
- What are climate activists’ concerns? Climate activists worry that the US might withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which could hinder future participation in international climate efforts.
- Who are the local leaders participating in COP30? Over 100 state and local US leaders, including governors and mayors, plan to attend COP30, representing a significant portion of the US population, GDP, and emissions.
