As the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, in Scotland wraps up this week, members of the California Legislature are preparing to return home after discussing how to combat climate change with different world leaders.
Assembly member Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles, is one of 15 state lawmakers who attended the event in Glasgow. As the second youngest lawmaker in the Legislature and the only member of the California Legislative Black Caucus to travel to the conference, Bryan calls it a privilege to represent his community overseas.
"We know that it's Black, brown, poor and indigenous communities that are most impacted by negative environmental hazards and so to be here to fight for California, to fight for my district, to fight for our planet with other global leaders is very empowering," Bryan said.
Bryan's District 54 encompasses Crenshaw, South Los Angeles, and parts of Inglewood, home to the country's largest urban oil field.
"In my district, if you live a mile away from the oil well, you are likely to suffer from higher asthma rates, heart disease at a younger rage, higher morbidity rate and lower life expectancy," Bryan said.
During a panel hosted by the University of California, Bryan pointed out the need to protect and invest in vulnerable communities where people of color have been disproportionately affected by environmental injustice.
"It's not enough to think about environmental justice just as a public health crisis. It's an education crisis, it's a criminal legal crisis and a housing justice crisis," he said.
Bryan added that he's proud of California's leadership when it comes to creating a green future but notes there's still a long road ahead to reach the state's climate goals.
"This isn't a celebration at COP26 – it's a declaration that we need to do more," Bryan said.
The LA lawmaker also addressed the protesters who've criticized the climate summit and called it a failure.
"I wouldn't go that far because anytime you can convene world leaders for the important conversations we need to have, there's some success there but there is a reminder that the goal post still hasn't been reached," Bryan said.
Other members of the California delegation in Glasgow noted that the climate crisis's conversations have never been more urgent.
"We are learning from others and trying to bring back the lessons to California," said Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz.
When asked about Gov. Gavin Newsom's absence in Glasgow, Sen. Bob Hertzberg said there's no one who wanted to attend the conference more than the governor. Newsom abruptly canceled his trip, citing family obligations.
"I don't think it's appropriate to further dig into it. I take him at face value whatever it is and sometimes you need to stay home," Hertzberg said.
On Tuesday at the California Economic Summit in Monterey, Newsom said he and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom canceled their trip to spend time with their kids on Halloween.
"Mom and dad missing Halloween — for them, it's worse than missing Christmas," Newsom noted.
As for Bryan, he shares he's more empowered than ever to lead the charge on climate action.
"There's a need for those who are most impacted by failed policy to have a direct voice at the policy-making table. I'm always honored that so many folks, especially those in the 54th Assembly District, feel that I can be that person and I don't want to let anyone down," Bryan said.