Eric Garcetti on 2025 Climate Leadership: How Cities Are Winning Where Nations Fail

On this One Decision episode, Ambassador for Global Climate Diplomacy at C40 Cities and U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, argues that while many countries lag behind on Paris Agreement goals, over three-quarters of C40 member cities are cutting emissions faster than their national governments.

The former L.A. Mayor Garcetti joins Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove to explore what this shift means for global power and innovation. He warns that the U.S. and Europe risk “giving away tomorrow’s oil” to China and India if they fail to lead. Meanwhile, California is now achieving 100% clean electricity for several hours each day, with 2025 data showing the state’s grid running on fully renewable power for an average of seven hours daily, showing how local initiatives can move faster and further than national policy.

From the decarbonization of wind and solar in Iowa and Texas to India’s pollution crisis and energy transition, this episode spans democracy, diplomacy, trade, and climate. Tune in to see how cities may be the new vanguard of global climate leadership. Watch the full conversation on One Decision to see why the future of climate, power, and democracy may be written in the streets - not the capitals.

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