As Donald Trump readies to assume the presidency in a few weeks, politicians and diplomats at home and abroad are questioning the future of environmental action. Recently, that debate came to New Haven.
João Vale de Almeida, a senior European Union diplomat to the United Nations, said nations need to think more globally, particularly when it comes to combating climate change.
"Typically, there isn't much you can do about climate change, if you don't do it together," Vale de Almeida said at Yale University.
He said he's heartened that countries like China are now moving in that direction, and thinks political leaders there are starting to realize the political and financial benefits to be gained from cutting carbon pollution.
"They moved from a situation back in the early days of the climate negotiations where they basically were saying 'You made it, you have to pay. Full stop,' to a position in which they understand we did not necessarily make it ... but we are certainly making it now," said Vale de Almeida.
"I think this change in the Chinese position, which, again, I praise, is a good illustration of how reality comes to haunt you -- and reality imposes on you a number of political choices," he said.
Ever the diplomat, Vale de Almeida didn't offer an opinion on the election of Donald Trump. But he said any future environmental policy needs to remain globally aware.
