Countries Growing More Ambitious on Climate, Despite U.S. Retreat
The Trump administration has moved to dismantle U.S. climate policy, slashing subsidies for clean energy, weakening limits on pollution, and attacking the legal basis for climate regulation. But the U.S. retreat on climate policy belies advances in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, experts say. Read more on E360 →
Despite the United States withdrawing from ambitious climate policy, other nations around the world have made significant strides in advancing environmental regulations, according to a recent study by researchers at Oxford University. The study analyzed climate laws and regulations in 39 countries responsible for the majority of global emissions, and found little evidence of a widespread policy retreat.
Of over 800 measures adopted in these countries, 718 remained unchanged, while 45 were delayed, 32 were weakened, and only 11 were repealed. The majority of the repeals came from the United States, but countries such as those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have continued to adopt more ambitious climate policies. These new policies are not only targeting faster and deeper cuts to emissions but are also becoming more comprehensive, covering a wider range of economic sectors.
The findings suggest that while geopolitical divisions may dominate headlines at the United Nations climate conference, climate progress ultimately depends on decisions made beyond the negotiating table, such as the laws that shape investment, energy systems, and corporate behavior. In the United States, recent Democratic wins in midterm elections have also opened a path for climate progress at the state level, with Democrats having a mandate to advance energy reforms in the states they control.
Written by urgent.news from Yale Environment 360's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
