SACRAMENTO – As the White House “declares war on climate science and retreats from the Paris Agreement,” Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he will travel to Europe in November to deliver keynote remarks at a climate summit organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican; discuss clean energy collaboration with European Union leaders in Brussels, Belgium; address the State Parliament of the government of Baden-Württemberg – co-founder of the Under2 Coalition – in Stuttgart, Germany; convene top climate scientists from around the world in Oslo, Norway and serve as Special Advisor for States and Regions at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23) in Bonn, Germany. These events will take place from November 4-14, 2017.
“While the White House declares war on climate science and retreats from the Paris Agreement, California is doing the opposite and taking action,” said Governor Brown. “We are joining with our partners from every part of the world to do what needs to be done to prevent irreversible climate change.”
Governor Brown was named Special Advisor for States and Regions by Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama – president of COP23 – ahead of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference. The Governor continues to build strong coalitions of partners committed to curbing carbon pollution in both the United States through the U.S. Climate Alliance and around the globe with the Under2 Coalition, which has grown to include 188 jurisdictions collectively representing more than 1.2 billion people and $28.9 trillion GDP – equivalent to over 16 percent of the global population and 39 percent of the global economy.
The Governor also joined United Nations Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change Michael Bloomberg to launch America’s Pledge on climate change to help compile and quantify the actions of states, cities and businesses to drive down their greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. In September 2018, the State of California will convene the world’s climate leaders in San Francisco for the Global Climate Action Summit, where representatives from subnational governments, businesses, investors and civil society will gather with the direct goal of supporting the Paris Agreement.
This year, Governor Brown traveled to China to build closer climate ties with President Xi Jinping, Russia to call for deeper trans-pacific collaboration on climate change at the Eastern Economic Forum, Canada to officially link California’s carbon market with Quebec and Ontario and New York to discuss subnational climate action with the UN Secretary-General and open Climate Week NYC 2017.
The Governor’s itinerary is below (schedule subject to change; all times local):
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Keynote Remarks at Vatican Pontifical Academy of Sciences “Health of People, Health of Planet and Our Responsibility: Climate Change, Air Pollution And Health” Symposium
Governor Brown will deliver keynote remarks on the third and final day of a climate change symposium hosted by the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences, where government, faith and civic society leaders will issue a call to action. Governor Brown previously participated in a climate symposium at the Vatican in 2015.
When: Saturday, November 4, 2017 at approx. 9:00 a.m.
Where: The Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Casina Pio IV, V-00120 Vatican City
**NOTE: The event is open to invited guests and credentialed media only. For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: accreditamenti@salastampa.va. Additional information regarding the event can be found here and here.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Opening Remarks at European Parliament and European Commission “High-Level Conference on Clean Energy Financing: Delivering the Energy Transition for Jobs, Growth and Investment”
Governor Brown will deliver opening remarks at a joint conference of the European Parliament and the European Commission on clean energy financing and the transition to a clean energy economy.
When: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at approx. 9:30 a.m.
Where: Hemicycle of the European Parliament, Paul-Henri Spaak Building, Brussels, Belgium
**NOTE: The event is open to invited guests and credentialed media only. Additional information regarding media access, credentialing and the event can be found here and here.
News Conference with European Parliament President
Governor Brown will join European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias-Cañete and European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) Chair Jerzy Buzek at a news conference following the conclusion of the conference’s opening session.
When: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at approx. 10:45 a.m.
Where: European Parliament, Paul-Henri Spaak Building, Anna Politkovskaya Room, Brussels, Belgium
**NOTE: The event is open to credentialed media only. Additional information regarding media access, credentialing and the event can be found here.
Media Availability with Baden-Württemberg Minister-President
Governor Brown and Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann will hold a media availability following a private meeting. Baden-Württemberg and California together founded the Under2 Coalition in 2015.
When: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at approx. 6:15 p.m.
Where: New Palace, Schloßpl. 4, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
**NOTE: The event is open to credentialed media only. For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: christoph.neethen@stm.bwl.de.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Baden-Württemberg State Parliament Address
Governor Brown will address the parliament of the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
When: Wednesday November 8, 2017 at approx. 9:00 a.m.
Where: Baden-Württemberg State Parliament, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 3, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
**NOTE: The event is open to invited guests and credentialed media only. For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: gabriele.renz@landtag-bw.de.
Climate Dialogue with European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
Governor Brown and members of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, which is responsible for much of the European Parliament’s environmental protection and climate policy, will exchange views on the Paris Agreement and international climate action.
When: Wednesday November 8, 2017 at approx. 3:00 p.m.
Where: European Parliament, Altiero Spinelli Building, Room A5G-3, Brussels, Belgium
**NOTE: The event is open to invited guests and credentialed media only. For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: nora.kovacheva@europarl.europa.eu.
Meeting with European Parliament Conference of Presidents
Governor Brown will meet with the European Parliament’s Conference of the Presidents, which consists of the European Parliament President and leaders of the European Parliament’s political parties, to discuss climate action by the European Union and the State of California.
When: Wednesday November 8, 2017 at approx. 5:00 p.m.
Where: European Parliament, József Antall Building, JAN 2Q2, Brussels, Belgium
**NOTE: The event is open to invited guests and credentialed media only. For information regarding media access and credentialling contact: jaume.duch@europarl.europa.eu.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Moderated Conversation Hosted by German Marshall Fund of the United States
Governor Brown will participate in a moderated conversation on renewable energy and climate action hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
When: Thursday November 9, 2017 at approx. 9:00 a.m.
Where: Residence Palace, Polak Room, Rue de Loi 155, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
**NOTE: The event is open to invited guests and credentialed media only. For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: KGlover@gmfus.org. Additional information regarding the event can be found here.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Roundtable with Representatives of the World’s Leading Scientific Academies
Governor Brown and Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Vidar Helgesen will convene representatives of the world’s leading independent national scientific academies in the United States, Norway, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Finland, Canada, Sweden, France and Denmark to review the latest climate research and discuss how scientists and policymakers can more effectively translate findings into meaningful action. This builds on the consensus statement – spearheaded by the Governor and signed by more than 500 international scientists and researchers in 2013 – which synthesized key scientific findings from disparate fields into one unified climate message for policymakers, industry and the general public.
When: Friday, November 10, 2017 at approx. 11:00 a.m.
Where: Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Drammensveien 78, 0271 Oslo, Norway
**NOTE: The event is open to invited guests and credentialed media only. The first hour of this event, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. is private. For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: n.c.stenseth@ibv.uio.no.
Media Availability with International Scientists
Governor Brown, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Vidar Helgesen and representatives of the world’s leading scientific academies will take questions from reporters following the opening session of their meeting.
When: Friday, November 10, 2017 at approx. 12:00 p.m.
Where: Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Drammensveien 78, 0271 Oslo, Norway
**NOTE: The event is open to credentialed media only. For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: n.c.stenseth@ibv.uio.no.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
America’s Pledge Panel Discussion
Governor Brown and United Nations Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change Michael Bloomberg – co-founders of America’s Pledge – will join a panel discussion on the ongoing efforts of U.S. cities, counties, states, businesses, universities and other non-state actors to support the goals of the Paris Agreement.
When: Saturday, November 11, 2017 at approx. 10:30 a.m.
Where: Climate Action Pavilion, Platz der Vereinten, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional information on this event contact: sarahz@theinciteagency.com.
Panel Discussion with Business Leaders on Decarbonizing the Economy
Governor Brown will join a panel discussion with corporate executives on climate leadership in the business community and ongoing efforts to decarbonize the economy.
When: Saturday, November 11, 2017 at approx. 1:30 p.m.
Where: Climate Action Pavilion, Platz der Vereinten, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional information on this event contact: sciammacco@ceres.org.
Under2 Coalition Signing Ceremony and Media Availability
Following a private, annual meeting of Under2 Coalition leaders, Governor Brown will welcome another U.S. governor to the coalition at a signing ceremony in Bonn, Germany.
When: Saturday, November 11, 2017 at approx. 5:00 p.m.
Where: Hilton Hotel, Berliner Freiheit 2, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: govpressoffice@gov.ca.gov.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Special Address at International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) COP23 Climate Summit of Local and Regional Leaders
Governor Brown will deliver remarks on local and regional climate action at the opening session of ICLEI’s COP23 Climate Summit of Local and Regional Leaders co-hosted with the City of Bonn and State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
When: Sunday, November 12, 2017 at approx. 10:50 a.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, Plenary Room, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional information on this event contact: claudio.magliulo@iclei.org.
Under2 Coalition and Subnational Climate Leadership Panel Discussion
Governor Brown will join state and regional members of the Under2 Coalition for a panel discussion organized by The Climate Group on how subnational governments are continuing to deliver on their commitments to the Paris Agreement.
When: Sunday, November 12, 2017 at approx. 11:45 a.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, Meeting Room 2, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional event information please contact: ssitsabeshan@theclimategroup.org.
Keynote Address at International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Global Energy Transition Forum
Governor Brown will deliver a keynote address at a renewable energy event organized by IRENA featuring leaders from the UNFCCC, Fiji, Germany and Deutsche Post DHL.
When: Sunday, November 12, 2017 at approx. 2:00 p.m.
Where: Deutsche Post DHL Post Tower Building, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: THurst@irena.org. Additional information regarding the event can be found here and here.
Keynote Address at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Climate and Clean Air Coalition “Fast Action on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants” Award Ceremony
Governor Brown will give remarks at an event hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme’s Climate and Clean Air Coalition recognizing efforts to curb super pollutants. California is a finalist for the inaugural Climate and Clean Air Award.
When: Sunday, November 12, 2017 at approx. 4:45 p.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, Room 12, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: Tiy.Chung@unep.org. Additional information regarding the Climate and Clean Air Coalition can be found here.
Monday, November 13, 2017
U.S. Climate Alliance’s “Filling the Void: U.S. State-Driven Climate Leadership” Panel Discussion
Governor Brown will join leaders from U.S. Climate Alliance member states – Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe – for a moderated discussion on U.S. state-driven climate leadership.
When: Monday, November 13, 2017 at approx. 10:45 a.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, Cities and Regions Pavilion, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: govpressoffice@gov.ca.gov.
Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport Panel Discussion
Governor Brown will speak on a panel hosted by the UNFCCC Marrakech Partnership on Global Climate Action and Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport on how subnational jurisdictions can decarbonize cities and reduce emissions in the transportation sector.
When: Monday, November 13, 2017 at approx. 12:15 p.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, Main Plenary Hall, Room 6, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional information on this event contact: Callum@SEforALL.org.
Beyond Bonn: Previewing the 2018 Global Climate Action Summit
Governor Brown will discuss next September’s 2018 Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, which will be held ahead of COP24 and will mark the first time a U.S. state has hosted an international climate change conference with the direct goal of supporting the Paris Agreement.
When: Monday, November 13, 2017 at approx. 1:00 p.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, World Wildlife Foundation Pavilion, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: govpressoffice@gov.ca.gov. Additional information regarding the Summit is available here.
Panel Discussion on Subnational Strategies in North America for Meeting Paris Commitments
Governor Brown will participate in a panel discussion with other subnational climate leaders from the U.S., Canada and Mexico organized by the Climate Action Reserve.
When: Monday, November 13, 2017 at approx. 3:00 p.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, Room 12, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional information on this event contact: jennifer@climateactionreserve.org.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Keynote Address at China Pavilion Cap-and-Trade Forum
Governor Brown will deliver the keynote address at a forum organized by the People’s Republic of China highlighting efforts to reduce carbon emissions through cap-and-trade programs. Earlier this year, California extended its cap-and trade program and Governor Brown traveled to China to expand bilateral climate cooperation.
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at approx. 9:30 a.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, China Pavilion, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: liufeng@ndrc.gov.cn.
Opening Remarks at Zero Emission Vehicle Alliance ZEV Infrastructure Symposium
Governor Brown will give opening remarks at a Zero Emission Vehicle Alliance symposium where business and government leaders from the U.S., Netherlands, Canada, Norway and other countries will discuss ongoing efforts to increase zero emission vehicle infrastructure.
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at approx. 10:00 a.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, United Kingdom National Pavilion, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional information on this event contact: nic@theicct.org.
Remarks at Climate Action and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sustainable Innovation Forum
Governor Brown will give remarks at the eighth annual Sustainable Innovation Forum hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme and Climate Action.
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at approx. 10:50 a.m.
Where: Climate Action Domes, Deutsche Post DHL Group Platz der Deutschen Post, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: melinad@climateactionprogramme.org. Additional information regarding the event can be found here.
World Wildlife Foundation Panel Discussion on Aligning Global and Local Climate, Biodiversity and Development Actions
Governor Brown will join United Nations officials and business and environmental leaders for a panel discussion on how cities, states and regions can work with national governments to achieve Paris Agreement targets, encourage sustainable development and protect biodiversity.
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at approx. 11:40 a.m.
Where: World Wildlife Foundation Panda Hub Pavilion, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For information regarding media access and credentialing contact: vmorales@wwfint.org.
California-Germany Under2 Coalition Closing Event
Governor Brown will join with officials from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety and the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector to welcome new signatories to the Under2 Coalition.
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at approx. 12:00 p.m.
Where: UNFCCC Bonn Zone, German Pavilion, Bonn, Germany
**NOTE: For additional information on this event contact: govpressoffice@gov.ca.gov.