congressional delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference
Even as the 2025 government shutdown prevented 17 House Members from traveling to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, SEEC Institute maintained a U.S. federal presence by bringing Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. We advanced the work Members set out to do by continuing critical exchanges with international stakeholders, building durable partnerships, and gathering insights to bring home to Congressional climate champions. Looking ahead, we’re preparing Members for the work that will shape the next phase of global climate progress - setting the stage for COP31 and beyond.
why does cop matter?
COP is where the world sets the pace on climate ambition, finance, and implementation - decisions that shape global markets and the policy landscape the United States must navigate. When Members of Congress participate, they help maintain U.S. engagement, strengthen partnerships, and bring home insights that inform stronger, more competitive, and more effective climate and clean energy policy.
SEEC Institute Dialogue with Brazilian Parliamentarians at COP 30
“When I attended COP25 in Madrid, a European Parliamentarian pulled me aside to warn that bad things happen when the US doesn’t lead. Our allies around the globe understand the crisis we face. I’m proud to be part of this delegation to help show the rest of the world that there are people in the United States who know the stakes, are dedicated to finding a path to net-zero, and are willing to do everything in their power to meet the moment.”
– Rep. Sean Casten.
Work on the Ground
At COP, SEEC Institute works on a number of important issue areas and missions, including strengthening U.S. climate diplomacy, engaging on climate and trade policy, rallying the U.S. private sector, and promoting American commercial diplomacy. The daily delegation schedule at COP focuses on activities like these:
Conduct bilateral meetings and policy exchanges with foreign government delegations;
Interface with fellow parliamentarians and legislators from key partner countries;
Convene and host public-facing events to push forward with American climate leadership.
Media Outreach and Interview Requests
Pearson Croney-Clark
Director of External Affairs
pearson@seecinstitute.org
Stakeholder Inquiries
Julia Greensfelder
Director of Policy and International Programming
julia@seecinstitute.org
