I wanted to write today on an important conference of nations set for November but feel the need to first write of how proud I am of our country.
Yesterday a reported seven million people exercised their Constitutional right to “peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” (quoting from the First Amendment). The fact that there were no reported arrests or acts of violence by those who assembled to air their grievances makes me in awe of our nation and people.
The founding fathers knew that nothing is more patriotic than peacefully assembling to express an opinion or protest grievance. And nothing is less American than labelling those who express an opinion other than your own wrong, hateful, or anti-American. These rights and principles set our nation apart from countries who are less free. Those who would restrict these constitutional freedoms lack an understanding of our Constitution and fail to see the direction of the current of history.
Now on to the November conference. COP30 is organized by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Belém, Brazil between November 10-21. Its location is not an accident. Belém sits at the mouth of the Amazon, which is front and central in the conference as representatives from 190 countries discuss and formulate solutions in the form of climate finance, emissions reductions, resilience and conservation. After President Trump’s September speech before the UN where he labelled climate change a con-job and hoax, it is presumed that the United States will not formally participate for the first time in thirty years.
To many, like myself, I see missed opportunities to shape and mold solutions to a problem that should not be a left versus right argument. ExxonMobil, Shell, and a host of other energy companies typically participate. They see the flow of history and adjust their portfolios accordingly.
Renewable energy sources have replaced coal as the largest source of electrical production in the world. In the first half of 2025, renewables (solar, wind and hydro) contributed 34.3% of all global electricity generation, while coal fell to 33.1%. Markets and utilities see the direction the current is flowing.
The costs of operating coal source power plants is staggeringly high compared to wind, solar, hydro, and yes, high efficiency natural gas. It’s business sense. For example, Shell Energy is moving toward diversification with a strong commitment toward wind, solar and carbon capture technologies. Why? Perhaps they see which way the flow of history is taking the world.