Climate Change

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing the United States—and the world—over the next decade and beyond. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities raise global temperatures with costly and deadly impacts, including extreme heat, droughts, storms, wildfires, sea-level rise, and more. This devastation disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities and low-income areas, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.

To mitigate these effects and protect communities, it is imperative that the United States transition to clean energy sources, implement sustainable land use practices, and invest in climate resilient infrastructure.

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in 2022, lays the foundation for building a 100 percent clean energy economy by investing in clean energy development and deployment, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation. The Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits and rebate programs allow people to affordably upgrade and electrify their homes, businesses, appliances, and vehicles—slashing climate pollution, creating new clean energy jobs, and saving families money on their energy bills.

The Center for American Progress recognizes the urgent need to reduce emissions and transition to a clean energy economy—one built with good-paying union jobs and centered on racial justice. Leaders must act quickly and decisively.

Flooded houses and cars are seen after Hurricane Florence in Wallace, North Carolina, September 16, 2018. (Getty/Atlgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency)

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3 International Climate Priorities for 2024 Report
Photo shows several flags arranged in a circular formation, flying against a grey cloudy sky

3 International Climate Priorities for 2024

As President Joe Biden’s first term draws to a close, his administration must deliver on three international climate policies to catalyze a 21st-century clean energy economy and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Anne Christianson, Trevor Sutton, Frances Colón

State Leadership To Conserve Nature Past Event

State Leadership To Conserve Nature

Join the Center for American Progress and the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators for a discussion with state leaders about conservation policy successes.

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Online Past Event

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Online

Please join Azul, the Center for American Progress, and Urban Ocean Lab for an online symposium on the rising tide of justice and equity in ocean policy.

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Past Event

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice

Please join Azul, the Center for American Progress, and Urban Ocean Lab for an in-person symposium on the rising tide of justice and equity in ocean policy.

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Related Priorities

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.

Strengthening Health

Strengthening Health

We work to strengthen public health systems and improve health care coverage, access, and affordability.

Building an Economy for All

Building an Economy for All

Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans benefit from growth.

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice

We apply a racial equity lens in developing and advancing policies that aim to root out entrenched systemic racism to ensure everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

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