US Activists Unite Against Trump's Climate Denial at Cop30 in Brazil
As the world converges on Brazil for the annual UN climate conference, COP30, a coalition of US activist groups is gearing up to push for bold international climate action against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's administration. Despite the president's pull-out from the 2015 Paris climate agreement and recent claims that global warming is a "great con job," US civil society groups say they will not be silenced.
"We've got to show the rest of the world that the administration's assault on the climate is unpopular," said Jean Su, energy justice director at the Center for Biological Diversity. "We want to put pressure on global leaders to commit to ambitious emissions reduction and climate adaptation schemes with vigorous and realistic plans to achieve them."
The US government's stance on climate change has been a source of division within the country, with three-quarters of Americans surveyed saying their government should do more to address the issue. However, under Trump's leadership, the administration has taken steps to dismantle climate research by various US agencies and rolled back environmental regulations.
US activists will use COP30 as an opportunity to highlight local- and state-level climate action taking place in the US, such as successful efforts to pass laws requiring polluters to pay climate damages in Vermont and New York. They aim to market these solutions and demonstrate that they are winnable.
Meanwhile, experts warn that the Trump administration's anti-climate stance is putting the country out of step with the rest of the world, which has seen significant economic benefits from transitioning to renewable energy sources. Over 100 countries have cut back on fossil fuel imports thanks to renewable energy growth, saving $1.3 trillion since 2010.
The US is not expected to send a delegation to COP30, but activists say they will still exert pressure through various means, including protests and demonstrations in the Brazilian city of Belém near the Amazon delta. The event is expected to be the largest seen at any COP conference in years, with hundreds of US activist organizations planning to attend.
"We want to put a spotlight on those 'polluter pay' mechanisms, and highlight that they are winnable and that other states are considering them," said John Noel, senior strategist at Greenpeace International. "And Cop presents a good opportunity to market those solutions."
US campaigners can provide an important counterweight to the pressure exerted by the Trump administration, which is trying to derail international climate action through various means, including threatening sanctions and visa restrictions on nations that support stronger climate policies.
As experts warn of an authoritarian turn in some countries, COP30 provides a powerful opportunity for activists to push for "people power" and exercise their right to free assembly.
As the world converges on Brazil for the annual UN climate conference, COP30, a coalition of US activist groups is gearing up to push for bold international climate action against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's administration. Despite the president's pull-out from the 2015 Paris climate agreement and recent claims that global warming is a "great con job," US civil society groups say they will not be silenced.
"We've got to show the rest of the world that the administration's assault on the climate is unpopular," said Jean Su, energy justice director at the Center for Biological Diversity. "We want to put pressure on global leaders to commit to ambitious emissions reduction and climate adaptation schemes with vigorous and realistic plans to achieve them."
The US government's stance on climate change has been a source of division within the country, with three-quarters of Americans surveyed saying their government should do more to address the issue. However, under Trump's leadership, the administration has taken steps to dismantle climate research by various US agencies and rolled back environmental regulations.
US activists will use COP30 as an opportunity to highlight local- and state-level climate action taking place in the US, such as successful efforts to pass laws requiring polluters to pay climate damages in Vermont and New York. They aim to market these solutions and demonstrate that they are winnable.
Meanwhile, experts warn that the Trump administration's anti-climate stance is putting the country out of step with the rest of the world, which has seen significant economic benefits from transitioning to renewable energy sources. Over 100 countries have cut back on fossil fuel imports thanks to renewable energy growth, saving $1.3 trillion since 2010.
The US is not expected to send a delegation to COP30, but activists say they will still exert pressure through various means, including protests and demonstrations in the Brazilian city of Belém near the Amazon delta. The event is expected to be the largest seen at any COP conference in years, with hundreds of US activist organizations planning to attend.
"We want to put a spotlight on those 'polluter pay' mechanisms, and highlight that they are winnable and that other states are considering them," said John Noel, senior strategist at Greenpeace International. "And Cop presents a good opportunity to market those solutions."
US campaigners can provide an important counterweight to the pressure exerted by the Trump administration, which is trying to derail international climate action through various means, including threatening sanctions and visa restrictions on nations that support stronger climate policies.
As experts warn of an authoritarian turn in some countries, COP30 provides a powerful opportunity for activists to push for "people power" and exercise their right to free assembly.
, this is getting serious! Trump's climate denial is like, totally messed up 
. I mean, the US is already behind on climate change action compared to other countries... it's time for a change 
. Those local- and state-level climate actions in the US are a great example of what can be achieved when people come together 
. The fact that 3/4 of Americans want their government to do more about climate is like, totally on brand 
.
. Like, over 100 countries have seen economic benefits from transitioning to renewable energy... that's some solid info 
. I'm all for those "polluter pay" mechanisms 
.
, and I'm hyped to see the US activists putting pressure on global leaders to take action 
. It's all about people power, bro 
... let's make some noise and demand change!
can't believe the US is being so out of touch with the rest of the world on this whole climate thing lol like who thought it was a good idea to pull out of the Paris agreement 
anyway gotta respect these US activists tho they're not backing down and are actually pushing for real change 
...it's about time we make polluters actually pay for the damage they're causing 
...anyway, can't wait to see what happens at cop30!
! Trump's pulling outta the Paris deal? Are ya kiddin' me?! 
Back in my day we knew climate change was real and it was a serious issue, not some conspiracy theory 
. Those folks who think it's all part of a "great con job" gotta be jokin' 
.
.
. Shining a light on those "polluter pay" mechanisms is exactly what's needed 
. We need more of that, less of this nonsense from Trump and his crew 
. COP30 is gonna be epic 
And I love that experts are warning about the Trump admin's anti-climate stance being super detrimental to the country's global standing 
Like, we get it, Trump wants to be all "America first," but come on, climate change isn't just an American problem 
. It's crazy how many Americans support taking action on climate change, and now they're showing the world that not everyone is down with this denier vibes 
. I'm rooting for these brave campaigners to shine a light on those 'polluter pay' mechanisms - it's time to put people over profits 
i mean i no the trumps admin has been all about rolling back enviro reg but like who cares right? the world is still gonna be saved thru renewable energy like did u know over 100 countries have cut back on fossil fuel imports since 2010 and theyve saved $1.3 trillion lol that sounds like a pretty solid plan to me 
I mean, three-quarters of Americans surveyed saying the government should do more on it is crazy, but under Trump's leadership it feels like they're just trying to ignore it altogether. We gotta keep putting pressure on them and showing the world that we care about the planet too! 
US activists are totally fired up against Trump's climate denial at COP30 
️! Trump's admin is outta touch, but COP30 can be a game-changer for climate justice 
. Who needs the US delegation at COP30 when you have a sea of passionate activists? 
The people are speaking, and it's time to listen 