Each year, the United Nations gathers for a “conference of the parties” (COP), all the countries of the world that are signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These are annual summits where world leaders gather to agree on goals and announce their commitments to address the climate crisis.
This year, COP31 will take place in Antalya, Turkey during the first two weeks of November. The Climate Center and a delegation of California leaders will be there to learn how others are advancing climate solutions and to show how states like California are continuing to fight for climate action in spite of Trump’s agenda. Join this webinar to hear from COP31 participants about how state-level policy drives global progress and California’s role as a global leader.
After presentations, there will be Q&A. Additional speakers and agenda details to be announced.
Speakers
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris proudly represents California’s 73rd Assembly District – the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin.
Cottie Petrie-Norris is a businesswoman, mom, and community leader who was elected to the State Assembly in 2018. In the Assembly, Cottie has worked to secure millions of dollars in funding for projects across Orange County and has passed important legislation to protect the California coast, improve access to healthcare, keep our children and communities safe, and help local veterans and small businesses.
Cottie serves as the Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Utilities and Energy. Additionally, she serves on the Assembly’s committees for Budget; Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact; Insurance; and, Privacy and Consumer Protection. She also serves on the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies.
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Baani joined The Climate Center in June of 2022 as the Drawdown Initiative Manager. In this role, she leads the organization’s work on advancing nature-based carbon sequestration solutions to fight the climate crisis while protecting our natural lands and delivering a multitude of co-benefits for both the environment and affected communities. She also leads the organization’s efforts in policies addressing the emergent mechanical carbon dioxide removal market. Prior to The Climate Center, Baani worked as a consultant with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers where she assisted small and mid-scale farmers with funding opportunities to remain operational during emergencies like drought, wildfire, and the pandemic.
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Allison joined The Climate Center in January of 2025 as the Legislative Manager. In this role, she works closely with the initiative leaders and other staff to ensure California implements policies that effectively reduce climate pollution and secure resilient communities. Allison is The Climate Center’s voice in Sacramento, representing the organization to advocate and build coalitions and partnerships to support The Climate Center’s goals and secure a climate-safe future for all.
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