Governor meets with European officials, highlights carbon pricing and clean energy partnerships amid shifting federal policy.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom met with European officials and business leaders this week at the Munich Security Conference, promoting the state’s climate policies and expanding international partnerships on clean energy and trade.
Newsom’s meetings included discussions with Denmark’s foreign minister, Germany’s environment minister and the European Union’s climate commissioner, according to the governor’s office. The talks focused on cooperation in renewable energy, carbon pricing, zero-emission vehicles and other climate initiatives.
The Democratic governor also participated in a panel discussion on climate change and global security, where speakers described climate impacts as an increasing threat to economic and national stability. Other panelists included officials from Vanuatu and the European Parliament, as well as business leaders in the energy sector.
During meetings with Danish and German officials, Newsom discussed expanding cooperation on offshore wind development, grid modernization and clean technology investment. In talks with the European Union’s climate commissioner, the governor highlighted California’s zero-emission vehicle policies and market-based carbon reduction programs.
California has signed a series of climate-related agreements in recent years with foreign governments and regional authorities, including partnerships with Australia, Brazil, Canada’s British Columbia, Mexico and several European regions. Those agreements have focused on issues such as wildfire response, clean transportation, electricity market reform and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
While such agreements are generally nonbinding, state officials say they help coordinate policy development and investment across borders in areas where subnational governments play a significant role.
Newsom’s office said additional discussions with international partners are expected to continue through the conference.
