As the U.S. Retreats, a New Era of Climate Leadership Emerges

As the U.S. Retreats, a New Era of Climate Leadership Emerges

A Turning Point: Global Climate Leaders Forge a New Path

By CSE Research Department

As the world faces an escalating climate crisis, international leadership on climate action has become more important than ever. The U.S. has historically played a leading role in global climate agreements, but recent shifts in political leadership have seen the country step back from its commitments. In response, new climate leaders are emerging, not only at the national level but also through cities, businesses, and grassroots movements pushing for change. This new dynamic in global climate governance presents both challenges and opportunities.

The U.S. Retreat: A Critical Turning Point

In 2017, the Trump administration made headlines by withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement, signaling a retreat from global climate action. In 2025, this retreat became more pronounced with the decision to backtrack on climate commitments once again. While this marks a setback, it is not the end of the road. Just as in 2017, when local governments, businesses, and individuals in the U.S. rallied under the banner of the We Are Still In campaign, the spirit of collective action is rising once more.

Across the globe, nations and communities are stepping up to fill the leadership gap left by the U.S., particularly as power dynamics shift. Emerging nations like China, India, and Brazil are asserting their roles as climate leaders, each with unique priorities that reflect the diverse needs and realities of the world’s climate crisis.

China: A Rising Climate Superpower?

Despite being the world’s largest coal consumer, China is positioning itself as a key global climate player. With its massive investments in renewable energy technology, including solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage, China now leads the charge in renewable energy production. By 2024, it accounted for nearly 50% of the world’s added renewable capacity, a testament to its commitment to transforming its energy infrastructure.

However, China’s climate leadership faces challenges, particularly regarding its focus on renewable energy over adaptation and loss-and-damage finance for developing countries. As much as China promotes green technologies, nations on the frontline of climate impacts need urgent funding to address the immediate effects of climate change. Without a holistic approach that balances both mitigation and adaptation, China’s leadership may alienate vulnerable nations, potentially hindering global solidarity.

Brazil and India: Advocating for Justice and Equity

At the same time, Brazil and India are championing climate justice, advocating for equitable solutions in international climate negotiations. As the host for COP30, Brazil is making strides in emphasizing the need for climate finance focused on adaptation, particularly for vulnerable nations. Its leadership calls for financing mechanisms that address the loss and damage suffered by the most climate-impacted regions.

India, balancing industrial growth with sustainability, has committed to sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Additionally, the country has played an instrumental role in launching initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, which aims to increase solar energy access in developing countries. Together, Brazil and India are reinforcing the need for inclusive climate governance that considers the diverse needs of the Global South.

Subnational Leaders and the Local Response

In addition to national leaders, subnational actors are rising as powerful players in global climate action. The reaction to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in 2017 serves as a model for how cities, states, and local organizations can lead in times of federal uncertainty. Coalitions like the United States Climate Alliance have made remarkable progress, with 25 U.S. states committing to uphold Paris Agreement targets.

Subnational actors in the Global South, such as cities in Africa and Latin America, are pushing for stronger commitments to adaptation and loss-and-damage financing.  Despite their growing influence, subnational governments face systemic barriers that prevent them from fully participating in global climate governance.

Many international frameworks do not recognize local governments as legitimate stakeholders in decision-making processes, preventing them from influencing policy and securing funding for localized climate solutions. This systemic exclusion undermines the potential for local actors to drive meaningful changes.

The Path Forward: Dismantling Barriers and Empowering Local Leaders

To effectively tackle the climate crisis, international climate governance must evolve to include more voices at the table. This means dismantling the barriers that limit the influence of subnational actors and ensuring they have direct access to climate finance. Current mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, should create channels through which local governments can apply for funding without bottlenecks at the national level.

Additionally, the United Nations climate framework must undergo a significant overhaul. Including subnational governments in the formal negotiation process, strengthening observer status, and ensuring local actors can actively contribute to draft texts will ensure that climate policies are more inclusive and representative of the communities most affected by climate change.

A New Collaborative Model for Global Climate Action

As countries struggle to agree on ambitious climate policies, it is increasingly clear that collective action is the key to addressing the climate crisis. Subnational actors—local governments, businesses, and civil society—hold the potential to redefine climate governance, driving action that is both equitable and effective.

The climate crisis is urgent, and the time to act is now. In the absence of traditional powers like the U.S., emerging leaders from the Global South and subnational governments can steer the world toward the sustainable future we all need.

About the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE)

CSE is dedicated to advancing sustainability by providing innovative solutions that address climate challenges at all levels—from local communities to global networks. With a commitment to climate justice, equity, and accountability, we work alongside diverse stakeholders to create systems that empower individuals, businesses, and governments to take meaningful action for the planet’s future.

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