Two visions collide at UN

Brazil's president Lula called for decarbonizing economies and protecting forests. Trump followed by rejecting global climate regulations and celebrating fossil fuel abundance.

Planet warming at record pace

June was the second-warmest month on record globally and the hottest ever measured in Western Europe. A potentially record-breaking El Niño is expected to peak around December.

Lula frames climate as urgent

Lula warned that glaciers in the Himalayas are melting and torrential rains and forest fires are already happening. He called for nations to defeat denialism and protect vulnerable populations.

“resume the offensive and inflict a defeat on denialism”

Brazil proves emissions cuts work

Lula presented Brazil as proof that countries can combine economic growth with reduced emissions. He pledged to move forward with a roadmap for decarbonizing the Brazilian economy.

“combine economic value with reduced emissions”

Lula warns on tech oligarchies

Lula called artificial intelligence an unprecedented technological revolution with great risks and opportunities. He insisted regulating big tech and AI is an unforgivable historical mission.

“unforgivable historical mission not to address the challenge of regulating the big techs and artificial intelligence”

Trump mocks climate warnings

Trump dismissed climate concerns, mocking those who warned about global warming as people who previously said everyone would be dead in 12 years. He claimed the planet was cooling, not warming.

“the very same people who said we'll all be dead in 12 years because of global warming”

Trump rejects global carbon tax

Trump claimed his administration stopped an international global carbon tax on shipping. He boasted that American energy is fueling the planet and that the U.S. and Venezuela hold over 60 percent of the world's oil.

“there is no global government, and while I'm president, there will be no global taxes”

Trump embraces superintelligence

Trump rejected any globalist scheme to control artificial intelligence, rebranding it as superintelligence. He pledged his administration will only encourage superintelligence development.

Scientists challenge Trump claims

Climate scientists and environmental advocates said Trump's assertions on climate change and energy costs are wrong. They noted fossil fuel-driven climate change is already causing significant harm.

“The American people are experiencing first-hand the harsh and deadly realities of climate change”

Trump's AI stance most consequential

Expert David Victor noted Trump largely sidestepped climate change in his speech, giving more attention to artificial intelligence. His hostility to regulating AI may be the most consequential of his statements.

World leaders face critical choice

Climate advocates asked world leaders if they will step up to climate change or hide behind Trump and shy away from their responsibilities. The next UN secretary-general will inherit an even bigger challenge.

“hide behind Trump and shy away from their responsibilities to urgently transition away from fossil fuels”