US Climate Action Summit 2025
The US Climate Action Summit 2025 is set to take place from April 21 to April 27 in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Climate Group, this week-long event will bring together over 200 leaders from business, government, and advocacy groups to advance climate action in the United States. The flagship Leaders’ Forum on April 24 will focus on actionable solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating renewable energy adoption.
This year’s summit aims to create measurable outcomes in climate policy and business practices while fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
Federal Policy Rollbacks Under Trump Administration
President Donald Trump has initiated significant rollbacks of federal climate policies since taking office earlier this year. On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement for the second time. Additionally, his administration has rescinded several environmental regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting clean energy development.
Critics argue that these rollbacks could hinder progress toward achieving the U.S. target of reducing emissions by 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035. However, state governments and non-federal actors are stepping up to fill the void left by federal inaction.
State-Led Climate Initiatives
Despite federal rollbacks, states within the U.S. Climate Alliance are advancing ambitious climate policies. The coalition of 24 governors has pledged to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50-52% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Key initiatives include:
- Solar for All Program: Expanding residential solar energy access to reduce electricity costs for Americans.
- Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: Funding state-level projects to slash emissions across various sectors.
- New York’s Climate Superfund Law: Holding polluters financially accountable for environmental damage.
- Massachusetts Clean Energy Law: Accelerating clean technology deployment statewide.
The Alliance’s efforts demonstrate that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
The Role of Renewable Energy
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law in 2022 under President Biden, continues to mobilize historic investments in renewable energy despite federal policy changes. Wind and solar projects are expanding rapidly across the country, creating jobs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, experts warn that additional measures are needed to meet long-term climate goals.
The Global Perspective
On the international stage, the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has raised concerns about its commitment to global climate leadership. At COP29 in Baku last year, subnational coalitions like America Is All In reaffirmed their dedication to achieving Paris Agreement targets through localized action.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also reports that above-average temperatures are expected globally for much of 2025 due to sustained warming trends. This highlights the urgency of implementing effective climate mitigation strategies worldwide.