Governor Newsom Holds Virtual Discussion with Leading Climate Scientists on State’s Progress Toward Carbon Neutrality

Governor Gavin Newsom today hosted a virtual meeting with internationally renowned scientists and climate change experts, including IoES’ director Marilyn Raphael, to discuss California’s ambitious climate goals, efforts to protect communities from harmful pollution and climate impacts, and how to accelerate the state’s transition to carbon neutrality.To meet the urgency of the climate crisis, Governor Newsom has requested the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) to accelerate California’s progress toward its nation-leading climate goals. At the Governor’s request, CARB will evaluate pathways for the state to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 – in advance of the 2045 target. “California has always led the U.S. and, I would also say, the world,” said Professor Raphael. “Not everyone is going to come along at the same time, but people will eventually come because the technology…the scalability, will be there. That it is difficult is a given, but I think it’s doable. We have brilliant minds in this state, we have to find them and put them to work.”