Governor Gavin Newsom just took a major step in global climate collaboration, signing a groundbreaking partnership with the United Kingdom that could reshape how we tackle environmental challenges. During a recent trip to London, Newsom deepened California’s international climate strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, focusing on sustainable development and clean technology.

The highlight of this diplomatic mission was a massive investment commitment from Octopus Energy, a UK clean-tech unicorn pledging nearly $1 billion towards California-based clean energy projects. This investment isn’t just about money, it’s a strategic move that demonstrates how innovative regions can create meaningful climate solutions beyond traditional governmental boundaries.

While the federal government has historically wavered on climate action, California continues to position itself as a global leader. The state has already established partnerships with countries like Chile, Colombia, Nigeria, and Brazil, creating a network of international climate cooperation that spans multiple continents.

California’s climate credentials are impressive. The state has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21% since 2000 while simultaneously growing its GDP by 81%. In 2023, California became the largest economy globally to be powered by two-thirds clean energy, running on 100% clean electricity for portions of almost every day.

The partnership with the UK represents more than a diplomatic handshake, it’s a concrete step towards accelerating clean technology development, sharing best practices, and creating economic opportunities that prioritize environmental sustainability. By focusing on innovative solutions like carbon removal, nature-based solutions, and clean energy technologies, California and the UK are showing the world how strategic international collaboration can drive meaningful climate action.

As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, these kinds of proactive, solution-oriented partnerships offer a beacon of hope. They demonstrate that meaningful climate progress is possible when regions commit to ambitious, collaborative strategies.