‘Doubling down on stupid’: Gavin Newsom on Trump’s climate-fighting absence

Key Concepts

• California's Climate Leadership: California's consistent, bipartisan approach to climate policy, exemplified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and its low-carbon green initiatives.
• Federalism and Subnational Action: The role of states and local governments in driving climate action in the U.S., particularly when federal policy is inconsistent.
• Trump Administration's Environmental Record: The significant number of lawsuits filed against the Trump administration, predominantly in the environmental sector, and his policies on oil and gas drilling.
• Climate Change Communication: Strategies for effectively communicating climate change issues to the public, focusing on tangible impacts rather than abstract scientific data.
• Democratic Politics and Climate Crisis: The intersection of a global climate crisis and a crisis in democracy, and the need for conviction and clarity in political discourse.
• Economic Opportunity in Clean Energy: The argument that transitioning to clean and green energy presents significant economic opportunities, as demonstrated by China's dominance in supply chains.

California's Leadership in Climate Policy

The discussion highlights California's long-standing and consistent commitment to climate action, dating back to Governor Ronald Reagan in 1967. This commitment is characterized by bipartisan support and a focus on low-carbon green policies. A key institution mentioned is the California Air Resources Board (CARB), established in 1967, which has played a crucial role in codifying environmental issues. The speaker argues that without California's consistent regulatory posture, companies like Tesla might not exist, underscoring the economic impact of these policies. The recent extension of California's cap-and-trade program to 2045 further demonstrates this sustained commitment.

The Challenge of Federal Inconsistency and the Power of Subnational Action

A significant point of contention is the inconsistency of U.S. federal climate policy, exemplified by its withdrawal from and re-entry into the Paris Agreement. This "flip-flopping" makes it difficult for other countries to view the U.S. as a reliable partner in multilateral climate efforts. The speaker advocates for looking at the U.S. "bottom up, not top down," emphasizing the power of states and local governments. Cities and counties, regardless of their political leaning (Republican or Democrat, blue or red states), are moving forward with climate initiatives because they recognize the economic risks associated with inaction and the benefits of future-proofing their economies. The speaker asserts that green energy is low-cost energy, and this understanding is a key driver in addressing the cost of living, a major factor in populism globally.

Donald Trump's Stance on Oil and Gas Drilling and Environmental Policy

A central theme is the contrast between Donald Trump's proposed policies and California's climate leadership. Specifically, Trump's stated desire to open the California coastline to oil and gas drilling is contrasted with his silence on similar proposals for Florida. The speaker characterizes Trump's approach as "intimidating and bullying," and his policies as an "assault on progress." The transcript notes that over 80% of the 122 lawsuits filed against the Trump administration were in the environmental space, indicating a surgical and deliberate approach to rolling back environmental regulations. Trump is described as a "wrecking ball" aiming to "recreate the 19th century" and "doubling down on stupid" by vandalizing progress.

Communicating Climate Change Effectively

The discussion delves into strategies for communicating climate change to a broader audience. The speaker suggests that abstract terms like "1.5 degrees Celsius" or "greenhouse gas" are not easily understood. Instead, the focus should be on tangible impacts that people can relate to, such as "pollution," "floods," and "wildfires." The speaker shares personal experiences, including the devastating wildfires and floods in California, and walking through the destroyed town of Paradise with Donald Trump. The economic implications, such as the "insurance crisis" and rising energy costs (anticipated to increase by 10% due to Trump's actions undermining Biden's policies), are presented as ways to connect with people and build support for climate action. The speaker emphasizes that people don't necessarily need to "believe in science" but rather "believe their own eyes" and understand the impact on "people, places, lifestyles, and traditions."

Personal Reflections and Motivations

The speaker, Gavin Newsom, shares personal anecdotes that reveal his deep connection to nature and environmentalism. His daughter's name, Montana, his marriage in Montana, and his potential future in Botswana are mentioned. He also reveals he was named after Gavin Maxwell, an author who wrote about rivers, highlighting an early influence on his perspective. His connection to nature is described as a link to his "creator" and his father, with whom he shared vacations discussing wilderness and climate. This personal background informs his conviction and his approach to environmental advocacy.

Legal Challenges Against the Trump Administration

The transcript details the significant legal opposition faced by the Trump administration regarding environmental policies. It is stated that there were 46 lawsuits filed against the Trump administration, with 41 of them occurring during a specific period. The speaker emphasizes that these lawsuits were not proactive but reactive to an "unprecedented assault on progress." The sheer volume and focus on environmental issues in these lawsuits are presented as evidence of the administration's aggressive stance on deregulation.

A Nuanced View of Donald Trump's Strengths

When asked for one positive word about Donald Trump, the speaker identifies his "ability to shape shift" and "dominate." He describes Trump as an "unbelievably effective communicator" who prioritizes being a "star" over being a hero or villain. The speaker acknowledges the importance of narrative in communication, drawing a parallel to his own efforts to use social media to reflect Trump's communication style. This highlights the understanding that effective communication, even if controversial, is crucial for garnering attention for important issues like climate change.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The overarching message is a call for conviction, authenticity, and a willingness to "call things out" in the face of what is perceived as a threat to both democracy and the environment. The speaker urges the audience not to be complicit and to stand up to bullying. The focus shifts from the federal level, which is seen as unpredictable, to the local and subnational levels where tangible progress is being made. The speaker encourages engagement and partnership with states like California, emphasizing that while Washington D.C. may be chaotic, "amazing things are happening at the local level." The ultimate goal is to garner attention for the climate issue so it is not lost or relegated to a footnote.