California's Governor Takes a Stand on Climate Change

In Brazil, California's Governor Gavin Newsom made waves at the UN climate talks. He criticized the U.S. for skipping the event, calling it a big mistake.

Newsom's Stance

• Most senior U.S. official present
• U.S. missing out on big opportunities by not taking climate change seriously
• Trump administration rolling back environmental rules while other countries move forward
• Russia and Saudi Arabia investing in green energy
• U.S. falling behind in the race for cheap, clean energy

California's Role

• Nearly 40 million people, major player in climate policy
• Trump administration blocking ambitious plans like banning new gas-powered cars
• Newsom: U.S. giving up economic power to countries like China

White House Response

• Called Newsom's trip embarrassing
• Trump won't let green energy hurt the U.S. economy
• Claimed Trump's energy policies are better for the American people

Climate Change Evidence

• Record-breaking heat
• Wildfires and floods
• California experiencing some of the worst wildfires in history

California's Challenges

• Highest gas and electricity prices in the country
• Investing in:
• Solar power
• Battery storage
• Nuclear fusion

Expert Opinion

• Sad that the U.S. federal government isn't at the talks
• Praised other U.S. leaders like Newsom