'America has spoken': US lawmakers to attend UN COP31 climate talks

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🗞️ Driving the news: A 19-member US congressional delegation will attend COP31 in Türkiye, seeking to maintain international climate engagement despite the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and absence from formal negotiations
• Following Democratic gains in the midterm elections, lawmakers hope to signal that climate cooperation remains an important part of US political and economic debate

🔭 The context: Led by the nonpartisan Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Institute, the delegation plans to meet international policymakers, civil society organisations and business leaders to explore opportunities for renewed cooperation on climate, energy and economic policy
• State and local leaders will also attend through the America Is All In coalition
• However, Democrats' incoming control of Congress does not guarantee immediate policy changes
• President Trump retains veto powers, and the new Congress will not take office until January 2027

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: US participation in international climate diplomacy matters because the country plays a significant role in global emissions, clean-energy investment and climate finance
• Although the delegation cannot represent the federal government in formal negotiations, its presence could help maintain relationships and encourage cooperation on decarbonisation and climate resilience

⏭️ What’s next: The delegation would likely use COP31 meetings to build international partnerships and explore areas of shared economic and climate interest
• Domestically, lawmakers may seek opportunities for bipartisan action around energy affordability, clean technology and economic competitiveness, although the administration's veto power remains a constraint

💬 One quote: “But I think also there's a real value in us being able to convey to the world, number one, that America has spoken, and number two, that so many of the challenges we face are the same,” - Representative Sean Casten

📈 One stat: 19 US lawmakers are expected to participate in the congressional delegation, which will attend COP31 in Antalya from 14–16 November, according to the SEEC Institute

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