COP30 Climate Summit Begins Without US Representation

The Trump administration has decided not to attend the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, drawing criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is attending the summit. The absence of high-level representatives from the world's three largest greenhouse gas emitters - China, the United States, and India - has cast a shadow over the summit. Despite this, the U.N. Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, noted that global emissions are finally being bent downwards. The summit is expected to update national commitments to curb emissions and raise funds for rainforest protection and climate adaptations.

The United Nations climate talks, known as COP30, have begun in Brazil with leaders emphasizing the need for urgent action to combat global warming. The conference is being held on the edge of the Brazilian Amazon, and leaders are pushing for cooperation and acceleration in reducing carbon pollution. However, the United States is not participating in the talks, having withdrawn from the Paris Agreement for the second time under the Trump administration. The absence of the U.S. is seen as a significant setback, as it has historically been one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide. Despite this, some U.S. cities, states, and businesses are expected to continue working towards reducing carbon emissions.

The COP30 climate summit has begun in Belem, Brazil, with a plea for countries to work together to address the climate crisis despite the absence of US President Donald Trump. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized those who 'sow hatred, spread fear, and attack institutions, science, and universities', a veiled attack on Trump and populist parties in Europe and the UK. The summit aims to map out a plan to end dependence on fossil fuels, with Brazil, China, and other countries pushing for a transition to clean energy. However, the influence of Trump's policies and the absence of US leadership remain a concern.