Governor Newsom Links Climate Doubts to Bad Values

Governor Newsom has spoken out strongly about climate change. He said that people who do not believe in it are also against democracy and religious ideas. He wants California to lead in climate action.
By Newsroom | Climate Change, Politics |

Governor Gavin Newsom has recently amplified his rhetoric regarding climate change, linking those who question its severity to opposition to democratic values and religious principles. This stance, articulated during international climate summits and public addresses, frames climate action as a moral imperative. Newsom's pronouncements suggest a potential for future policy that holds companies accountable, particularly those who have previously aligned with less stringent environmental policies.

Context

Governor Newsom has been actively engaged in international climate discussions and domestic policy promotion. His recent activities include participating in the COP30 summit in Brazil and addressing a Vatican Climate Summit. These events serve as platforms for him to position California as a leader in climate action and to articulate a strong, morally-grounded argument for addressing climate change. The backdrop for these engagements includes the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the previous administration and ongoing debates about energy policy within California, notably concerning refinery operations and gasoline prices.

Evidence

  • Governor Newsom spoke at the Vatican Climate Summit, calling for leaders to "protect democracy against the rise of extremism and in the face of climate deniers." He also thanked Pope Francis for his advocacy on climate. (gov.ca.gov)

  • At the COP30 summit in Brazil, Newsom positioned California as a representative of U.S. climate policy in the absence of federal leadership. (latimes.com)

  • Newsom has previously used strong language against oil refiners, calling for special legislative sessions to impose new regulations, though he later adjusted his approach when refineries announced closures, citing concerns about gasoline prices. (calmatters.org, time.com)

  • Environmental groups have expressed concern that Newsom's administration is "backsliding" on climate commitments. (calmatters.org)

  • Newsom stated that "climate deniers will face a religious reckoning." (time.com)

A Moral Imperative for Climate Action

Governor Newsom has framed climate action as a matter of moral and ethical concern. His participation in the Vatican Climate Summit, where he joined Pope Francis and other leaders in signing a Planetary Compact, underscores this perspective. The summit's focus on global partnership and the urgency of the climate crisis aligns with Newsom's calls to address what he has termed a "fossil fuel crisis." By associating climate denial with extremism and invoking religious leaders, Newsom appears to be elevating the issue beyond purely scientific or economic arguments.

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  • Newsom stated that the climate crisis is a "fossil fuel crisis." (gov.ca.gov)

  • He urged world leaders to "protect democracy against the rise of extremism and in the face of climate deniers." (gov.ca.gov)

  • The Pope acknowledged California's leadership on climate. (gov.ca.gov)

California's Role on the World Stage

With the U.S. federal government's prior withdrawal from international climate agreements, Governor Newsom has actively sought to fill this leadership void. By attending the COP30 summit and presenting California's climate policies, he aims to demonstrate U.S. commitment to global climate goals. This diplomatic effort positions California as a de facto representative of American environmental policy on the international stage, especially in contrast to past federal administrations that rejected climate science.

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  • Newsom positioned California as a "stand-in for the U.S." at the Brazilian climate summit. (latimes.com)

  • He portrayed himself as an alternative to Donald Trump on climate policy during his New York visit. (calmatters.org)

  • The Trump administration had rejected climate science and withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement. (latimes.com)

Tensions with Environmental Advocates

Despite his strong public pronouncements, Governor Newsom has faced criticism from some environmental organizations. These groups have accused his administration of "backsliding" on environmental commitments. Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding potential weakening of existing protections and the exemption of certain projects, such as a tunnel project. This indicates a complex dynamic where Newsom's efforts to balance climate goals with economic and political realities create friction with dedicated environmental advocates.

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  • A coalition of over 40 environmental groups criticized Newsom for "backsliding" on climate issues. (calmatters.org)

  • Newsom's climate agenda has highlighted tensions with environmental groups. (apnews.com)

  • The Newsom administration states its plan does not weaken existing environmental protections, though specific projects may be exempted. (apnews.com)

Newsom's approach to climate policy has also shown a pragmatic adaptation to economic pressures. While he has previously taken a confrontational stance against oil refiners for alleged price-gouging, his response shifted when refinery closures threatened to increase gasoline prices. This adjustment, which included encouraging oil production, highlights the challenge of balancing environmental mandates with immediate economic concerns such as energy costs for consumers. This maneuver has drawn commentary suggesting a strategic political calculation, particularly in the context of potential future campaigns.

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  • Newsom previously criticized refiners for "gouging consumers" and called a special session for new regulations. (calmatters.org)

  • He later shifted focus to maintaining fuel supplies and encouraging oil production when refineries planned to shut down, fearing price hikes. (calmatters.org, time.com)

  • Trump's energy secretary noted California's high energy bills, created by state policies. (calmatters.org)

Expert Analysis

"Newsom has engineered his own evolution when coping with Trump — moving from sharp but reasoned criticism to name-calling and theatrical attacks on the president and his Republican allies." (latimes.com)

"There’s no question Newsom — who had spent months excoriating refiners for gouging consumers on gasoline prices, even calling a special legislative session to impose new regulations — changed his tune after two refineries announced plans to shut down." (calmatters.org)

Conclusion

Governor Gavin Newsom's recent public statements and international engagements signal a strong, morally-framed commitment to climate action. His rhetoric, linking climate denial to broader threats against democracy and invoking religious principles, elevates the issue to a significant ethical plane. This stance appears intended to hold corporations accountable, particularly those with a history of prioritizing fossil fuels. However, this assertive approach exists alongside noted tensions with environmental groups who perceive a wavering commitment and pragmatic adjustments to economic pressures, such as rising energy costs. Newsom's diplomatic efforts position California as a key player in global climate initiatives, underscoring the state's role in advancing climate policy in the absence of consistent federal leadership. The effectiveness and long-term implications of this multifaceted strategy will likely depend on balancing these ideological, political, and economic considerations.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Governor Newsom say about climate change doubters?
Governor Newsom said that people who doubt climate change are also against democracy and religious principles. He spoke about this at international meetings.
Q: Where did Governor Newsom speak about climate change?
He spoke at the COP30 summit in Brazil and at a climate summit at the Vatican. He also spoke in other places.
Q: Is everyone happy with Governor Newsom's climate actions?
No, some environmental groups say his actions are not strong enough. They worry he is not doing enough to protect the environment.
Q: How does Newsom balance climate goals with the economy?
Sometimes, Newsom has to make choices between climate rules and keeping prices low, like for gas. This can make things difficult.