paris agreement

Emissions rise from a smokestack in Ohio. The United States has contributed more heat-trapping pollution than any country over time and has been the prime driver of global climate change.

How decades of disinformation about fossil fuels halted U.S. climate policy

9:40pm October 27, 2021

Most Americans want the government to tackle climate change, but decades of industry lobbying and misinformation have repeatedly worked together to prevent meaningful action.

In this July 29, 2020 file photo, a view of a pump jack operating in an oil field in Midland, Texas.

Despite climate change promises, governments plan to ramp up fossil fuel production

10:47am October 20, 2021

by Jaclyn Diaz

A new study by the United Nations shows that the world's governments plan to carry on using coal, gas, and oil — despite promises made under the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming.

Refrigerators on sale in 2018 in Pennsylvania. The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to phase out the use of cooling chemicals that are powerful greenhouse gases.

Science

EPA Moves To Cut A Group Of Powerful Greenhouse Gases

1:08pm May 03, 2021

by Rebecca Hersher

The EPA plans to phase out hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which are used in refrigerators and air conditioners. When HFCs are released into the atmosphere, they are extremely good at trapping heat.

Earth's atmosphere photographed from the International Space Station. Greenhouse gases have accumulated rapidly and are trapping extra heat in the atmosphere. It will take decades for the gases to break down naturally or be reabsorbed on Earth's surface.

Science

Carbon Emissions Could Plummet. The Atmosphere Will Lag Behind

5:25pm April 14, 2021

by Rebecca Hersher

The U.S. plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions dramatically in the next decade. Scientists say it's crucial that the U.S. succeed. Still, many of the positive effects won't arrive for decades.

Climate change has been a key factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires and other catastrophic weather events. Here, an aerial view shows neighborhoods in Monrovia, Calif., shrouded in smoke from the Bobcat Fire in September.

U.S. Faces Global Criticism For Ditching Paris Climate Deal

2:35pm November 04, 2020

by Jaclyn Diaz

The United States received a deluge of criticism from national and international organizations for its departure Wednesday from the Paris Agreement.

The Hunter power plant in Utah generates electricity by burning coal. Coal combustion releases enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. The Utah plant is scheduled to keep operating until 2042.

Science

U.S. Officially Leaving Paris Climate Agreement

5:29pm November 03, 2020

by Rebecca Hersher

The United States is the only country to back out of its promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. America has contributed more cumulative carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than any other nation.

The smokestacks of a coal-fired power plant near Emmet, Kan., in September 2020. Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.

U.S. Emission Reductions Slowed After Trump Pulled Out Of Paris Accord

11:27am September 29, 2020

China is investing in both coal and renewable energy, the European Union promises to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and the U.S. is leaving the Paris Agreement altogether. What will 2021 hold?

Methane emitted by ruminant animals like cattle and sheep accounted for 34% of New Zealand's greenhouse emissions in 2017. A flock of merino sheep on the country's South Island are seen here in April 2017.

New Zealand Commits To Being Carbon Neutral By 2050 — With A Big Loophole

4:50pm November 07, 2019

by Laurel Wamsley

The Zero Carbon bill is ambitious but contains a major exception for methane emitted by plants and animals. Methane from animals like cattle and sheep made up 34% of the country's emissions in 2017.

The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations that it is withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement. The move comes as climate change drives more frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes and other hazards.

U.S. Formally Begins To Leave The Paris Climate Agreement

5:34pm November 04, 2019

by Rebecca Hersher

Under the agreement hammered out in 2015, the first day that countries can reverse the promises they made is Nov. 4, 2019. It will be another year before the American withdrawal is official.

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French President Emmanuel Macron gives a thumbs-up after he delivered an address to a joint meeting of Congress Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol.

Despite Coziness With Trump, Macron Highlights Differences Between U.S. And France

3:00pm April 25, 2018

by Brian Naylor

During his speech to Congress, The French President spoke of shared history but existing disagreements on Iran, the environment and trade.