Climate change is a global issue. It matters not who creates the greenhouse gases, they spread globally. The converse is also true. Mitigation efforts occur locally but they spread globally. Global safety is dependent upon our interdependence.
Global organizations like the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the Paris Agreement play pivotal roles in shaping climate action. From renewable energy initiatives in Europe to climate resilience programs in small island nations, countries are responding in diverse ways—but urgent action is still needed.
The Paris Agreement remains the foundation of global climate efforts.
Under the Obama administration, the U.S. joined 190 other nations to create the Paris Agreement. Under this accord, countries committed to cutting emissions by 43% by 2030 to keep global warming in check.
Trump has twice withdrawn the U.S. from membership. Once, in his first term and again on his inauguration day, this past January 2025, citing economic concerns and the belief that the agreement placed an unfair burden on the U.S. Billionaire Michael Bloomberg agreed to fund the UN climate change body after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement requires participating nations to set and work toward reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Before Trump’s second withdrawal, the U.S. had pledged to cut emissions by 61–66% below 2005 levels by 2035, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Climate Action Tracker follows governments to assess their compliance with the Paris Agreement. The US is currently rated as “insufficient.” The “Insufficient” rating indicates that the US’ climate policies and action in 2030 need substantial improvements to be consistent with the 1.5°C temperature limit. If all countries were to follow the US approach, warming would reach over 2°C and up to 3°C.
Despite federal actions, some states and organizations remain committed to the Paris Agreement’s goals. The U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of 24 state governors (representing 54% of America’s population and 57% of its economy), has pledged to continue pursuing ambitious climate policies.
In these first months of his second administration, The Trump administration has moved swiftly – both broadly and deeply – to set disrupt all positive climate action in the US, even removing data from federal websites. You can learn more on a page devoted to Trump’s Climate Actions or drill down on the various EXECUTIVE pages including his Executive Orders, his Budget, and his Cabinet.
This website, Climate Change Resources (CCR)is primarily focused on America’s contribution to climate change and America’s efforts to mitigate climate change. That is huge enough for one website.
This does not mean that CCR is oblivious to global connections and global effects. The US can contribute massively to the global effort as well as learn from the many countries outside its borders.
CREDIT: Visual Capitalist
