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I’ve been spending most of my research focusing on looking at efforts beyond the federal government, be it the state and local governments or corporations.  I was surprised by how many state and local government initiatives were already active beyond California and New York’s efforts.  The corporations are also rather interesting.  Mostly tech companies, but there are some from more traditional industries, and most are rather big names/employers.  Bill Gates was also mentioned as one of the rich individuals putting money towards the efforts.  Legitimate argument can be made that America doesn’t need federal action to make an impact (although it will help).

If that article about 90 companies being responsible for most climate change carbon, then a legitimate argument can be made arguing that the rest of the private sector shouldn’t be punished or forced to act when it is not their fault.  Especially when some of the largest polluters aren’t American – two of the eight largest according to the article.

Similarly, one of the articles I read referenced a poll suggesting 2/3rds of consumers would avoid brands that are perceived to be hurting the environment.  The invisible hand of the free market… or just a sign about the public’s understanding on environmental issues.

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Partial lists of US corporations making efforts on climate change:
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/30/big-companies-defy-trump-on-climate-change.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/corporations-move-to-curb-global-warming/
https://newrepublic.com/article/141779/corporations-defying-trump-climate-change-not-heroes

Elon Musk:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/malcolm-turnbull-talks-with-tesla-founder-elon-musk-about-south-australias-energy-crisis/news-story/223ea07055a0c6775bd56a96737f7e90
-http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-15/sa-power-zen-energy-could-beat-elon-musks-tesla-proposal/8354406
http://www.goodspeaks.org/event/Is-Solar-Energy-Inevitable%3F--Absolutely%2C-says-Tesla-CEO-Elon-Musk
http://www.teslarati.com/elon-musk-vision-worlds-transition-to-sustainable-energy/
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/elon-musk-vision-energy-future-tesla-strong-role-utilities-buffett
https://www.tesla.com/solarroof
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/20/tesla-motors-ceo-releases-new-master-plan.html

Interesting factoid (don't know if true):
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/08/just-90-companies-are-blame-most-climate-change-carbon-accountant-says

Partial list of state/local government efforts:
http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/climate_action_team/reports/2006report/2005-12-08_PEW_CENTER_REPORT.PDF
http://climatechange.ca.gov/
https://www.c2es.org/us-states-regions/regional-climate-initiatives
http://www.newsweek.com/new-york-california-state-efforts-climate-change-trump-retreats-580704
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-03/documents/part_1_-_welcome_and_introduction_1.pdf
https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cc.htm

# data[].attributes.body
The United States is a leading global trader and holds the largest economy in the world, representing a 24.3% share of the global economy and depended upon by multiple countries. As a republic country, the current president’s administration has a multifaceted approach towards climate change, with an intention to implement energy policies that stimulate the economy, ensure citizen security and prioritise the health of Americans. Currently it is focussed especially on prioritising the protection of clean air and water through responsible stewardship of the environment.

Like the rest of the world, ramifications of climate change are currently being experienced across the US, most notably in the North, the West, and Alaska in which temperatures have increased the most. Americans are increasingly perceiving global warming as a global phenomenon with seven in ten of citizens regarding it as occurring today. In response to the growing concern that climate change poses, the US continues to make a significant contribution towards scientific research and development aimed at understanding this global issue in order to limit the magnitude of climate change, with a vast number of Government and Non-Government organisations focussed on the issue.

With a long-term goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 83% in 2050 and 26%-28% in 2025, the US has taken numerous measures to transition to a low-carbon global economy as quickly as possible. This includes the implementation of laws and regulations (e.g Clean Air Act, the Energy Independence and Security Act, as well as the Energy Policy Act), making a global contribution through agreements with over 20 countries to support low emission development strategies that reduce emissions whilst growing economies and the significant investment of funds in clean energy innovation. The US also has a vast number of Government and Non-Government organisations that are focussed on climate change, such as USAID, Union of Concerned Scientists (UCSUSA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S Global Change Research Program.

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https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/glance.htm

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http://climateactiontracker.org/countries/usa.html

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Chinese pollution crisis compared to that of the US

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Chinese pollution crisis compared to that of the US

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Whilst environmental sustainability is a crucial issue that must be prioritised in America as a significant contributor to Global Warming, China emits almost twice the amount of greenhouse gases as that of the US and is expected to double its emissions by 2040 due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels for steel production and electricity. As an established economy, the US may have large carbon emissions, however are actively seeking policies and activities to reduce these emissions, whereas new economic giants in the developing world are increasing their emissions rapidly which will detract from progress made globally to reduce pollution. The US has currently cut more carbon dioxide emissions than any other nation and is focused on improving automobile fuel economy and cutting carbon dioxide pollution from existing and new power plants.

As demonstrated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) even the worst of American cities are significantly less polluted than the least worrying cities in China.

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The Trump Administration identifies that energy is an undeniable essential part of American life and a staple of the world economy. Focusing on energy policies that stimulate the economy, ensure security, and protect health, the Trump Administration is committed to clean coal technology and achieving energy independence from the OPEC cartel and any nations hostile to the US’s interests through maximising the use of American resources. Recognising domestic energy production as integral, Trump Administration’s also intends to prioritise the protection of clean air and water, conservation of natural habitats, and preservation of natural reserves and resources, aiming to refocus the EPA on its essential mission of protecting air and water.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/america-first-energy

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Intended national contribution to CC through reduction of emissions

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Intended national contribution to CC through reduction of emissions

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United States has undertaken substantial policy action to reduce emissions. The US intends to achieve an economy-wide target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 26%-28% below its 2005 level in 2025 and to make best efforts to reduce its
emissions by 28%. The United States intends to use 100-year global warming potential (GWP) values to calculate
CO2 equivalent totals and provide information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding of CC efforts.

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USAID organisation: United States Agency for International Development is a lead U.S. Government agency which generously administers significant civilian foreign aid, assisting foreign countries pursue clean energy growth and resilient, low-carbon development in response to climate change.

With a mission to end poverty and advance human prosperity and security, USAID shares world-class climate knowledge, data and tools to ensure countries can predict, prepare for and adapt to change. USAID also helps countries lay the foundations for sustainable growth powered by clean energy and healthy landscapes.

* USAID’s climate strategy has three overarching objectives which include: adaption, integration and mitigation. The organisation has three priority types of activity which are focused on Adaptation, Clean Energy and Sustainable Landscapes.

Global climate action programs designed at ensuring all countries have the support they need include:

Low Emission Development support reaches 26 countries, from Colombia to Philippines, all taking concrete steps to pursue low-carbon growth.
Adaptation support reaches more than 30 countries, from Bangladesh to Zambia.
Clean Energy support reaches more than a dozen countries, from India to South Africa.
Sustainable Landscapes support reaches more than a dozen countries from Colombia to Indonesia.
Climate Integration support reaches across USAID to ensure food security, infrastructure, disaster preparedness and other programs can access climate knowledge, data, tools and good practice.
https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are

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Donald Trump is too busy on Twitter to undertake research for the upcoming climate negotiations - surely his highly-paid expert consultants can step into the breach?

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Donald Trump is too busy on Twitter to undertake research for the upcoming climate negotiations - surely his highly-paid expert consultants can step into the breach?