California and New Zealand have inked a commitment to combat climate change by exchanging ideas and best practices, such as how to put millions more electric vehicles on the road.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and California Governor Gavin Newsom discussed the accord at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

The agreement highlights broad areas for cooperation but does not bind either government to specific initiatives.

"We have a natural connection, and I'm ecstatic that we've put pen to paper today to confirm that and continue our cooperation on one of the greatest challenges of our generation," added Ardern.

Ardern stated that California's primary source of greenhouse gas emissions is the transportation sector, whereas New Zealand's second-largest source is agriculture.

California plans to prohibit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. New Zealand wants 30% of all automobile sales to be electrified by 2020.

Carbon-fueled automobiles

Newsom stated that he anticipates increased competition in the electric vehicle sector, which Tesla presently dominates, and compared it to when Netflix began to face competition from other streaming providers.

Ardern stated that her government would discuss initiatives that provide incentives for individuals to dispose of outdated, gas-guzzler vehicles with Californian officials.

New Zealand has a population of five million, compared to California's 39 million, and a much smaller economy, but both countries face the effects of climate change.

The state in the United States just recorded its driest winter on record, while New Zealand's most recent winter was the warmest on record.

New Zealand places a strong emphasis on decreasing emissions from its crucial agricultural sector. Beef and dairy products dominate the agricultural industry, and milk products are the nation's leading export. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and cattle are a significant source of emissions.

California is also home to a significant agricultural sector. The agreement states that the two countries may collaborate on programs to develop farming methods that improve soil health, reduce methane emissions, and increase water efficiency.

Jeremy Clarke-Watson, New Zealand's consul-general in Los Angeles, and Jared Blumenfeld, California Environmental Protection Agency secretary, signed the memorandum of cooperation.

At last year's global climate change conference in Scotland, California, New Zealand, and Quebec signed a brief joint pledge to share information on climate policy, including carbon markets.

Due to Ardern's prominent role in the aftermath of the 2019 slaughter of 51 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, gun control was also anticipated to be discussed.

Gun control

In response to this week's killings of 19 students and two teachers at a Texas elementary school, Newsom urges the state legislature to pass him a package of gun reform laws.

Less than a month after the massacres in Christchurch, the New Zealand parliament moved to ban the majority of automatic and semi-automatic firearms.

Ardern highlighted her country's activities on the subject in answer to a query about "shared values" between California and New Zealand. Newsom and Ardern did not publicly debate gun control.

"It was evident that the New Zealand public expected its politicians to find solutions swiftly," stated Ardern.

"Are they the solution to all of our problems with weapons in New Zealand? No. However, they were actionable initiatives that we believed were essential and would make a difference. Therefore, we formed them."