US Climate Envoy Stresses Commitment at COP29

At COP29 in Baku, U.S. climate advisor John Podesta emphasized the continuation of America's climate efforts despite the election of Donald Trump, who has pledged to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and reverse Biden's climate policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Podesta reassured that the U.S. commitment to clean energy and emission reductions would persist through state actions and private sector investments, even if federal support wanes. The UN climate chief, Simon Stiell, insisted that global climate action will endure, emphasizing the need for increased finance to help developing countries adapt to climate change. While Trump's election casts doubt on U.S. climate commitments, Podesta and other leaders urged continued international cooperation, highlighting that the climate crisis is an economic issue as well. Expectations for COP29's success have been lowered due to Trump's victory, but Podesta remains optimistic about the irreversible direction of U.S. climate policy.