World leaders have announced new goals to reduce planet-warming pollution at the United Nations, aiming to revive struggling global climate efforts. This comes just a day after Donald Trump described the climate crisis as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated upon the world.”
On Wednesday, 120 countries and the European Union pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions in New York. Notably, China—the world’s largest emitter—committed to reducing its emissions by 7–10% from peak levels by 2035.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who organized the special summit, urged nations to adopt “much further, much faster” cuts. Many countries are falling behind on their commitments to limit global temperature rise.
“Your new plans can take us a significant step forward,” Guterres told leaders. “We are at the dawn of a new energy era and must seize this opportunity.”
Guterres recently warned that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F) is at risk of collapse. He stressed that the upcoming UN climate talks in Brazil, known as COP30, must produce a credible global plan to get back on track.
“Science demands action, the law commands it, economics compels it, and people are calling for it,” he said, referring to a recent international court ruling.
So far, few countries have submitted updated emissions reduction plans ahead of November’s COP30 talks, where new targets are expected to address worsening heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Current projections show the planet is on track to far exceed the 1.5°C limit set in the Paris Agreement a decade ago. Temperatures could rise by as much as 3°C (5.4°F) above pre-industrial averages, leading to catastrophic consequences.
The global effort has been further complicated by the United States, the largest historical emitter of carbon pollution. On Tuesday, Trump delivered a speech at the UN filled with false claims, dismissing climate science and criticizing the shift to clean energy.
“Countries are on the brink of destruction because of the green energy agenda,” Trump said, calling climate science a “hoax” and wind turbines “pathetic.” He also described pressuring countries like the UK to drill for more oil.
“If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail,” he warned. “You need strong borders and traditional energy sources if you want to be great again… All these UN predictions are wrong. They were made by stupid people.”
Trump, who has rolled back climate regulations, blocked clean energy projects, and pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, has long denied the reality of climate change. His comments were quickly condemned by activists.
“Anyone looking outside their window knows climate change is here and happening,” said Manish Bapna of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The real question is why any responsible leader would try so hard to convince us otherwise.”
Other climate advocates at the UN General Assembly and Climate Week events in New York urged nations to move forward without U.S. leadership under Trump and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Last year, global investment in renewables like solar and wind reached $2 trillion—double the amount spent on oil, gas, and coal.
“All the jobs and opportunities from clean economies are there,” said Rachel Kyte, the UK’s climate envoy. “Don’t get distracted by the noise. Follow the signal, and I think we’ll get there.”
One hundred and ninety…195 countries have ratified the Paris Agreement, and with one having withdrawn, 194 remain committed. While some seek to undermine the agreement, these 194 nations are gathering in Belém to keep the effort moving forward.
Among the countries still engaged in climate action, China is a major focus. It accounts for about a third of global emissions but has also become the world’s leading clean energy superpower. On Wednesday, President Xi Jinping announced that China plans to install more than six times as much wind and solar capacity by 2035 compared to 2020 levels.
Former US Vice President Al Gore expressed concern, saying, “It’s a great tragedy that the United States is holding itself back and allowing China to take the lead in addressing the climate crisis.” However, Gore remains optimistic that the world will choose clean energy over the fossil-fuel revival supported by Trump. “We are going to win this struggle,” he said. “The only question is whether we will do so in time to avoid catastrophic tipping points.”
Despite recent emissions reduction pledges, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), the world is still on track to exceed the 1.5°C warming limit—a threshold that vulnerable nations view as an existential threat. Tina Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, noted that many pledges fall short: “There has to be an honest assessment that they won’t be enough. We already know these efforts won’t get us where we need to be.”
In November, governments will meet in Belém, Brazil, to address this gap, though attendance may be limited due to a shortage of hotel rooms in the Amazon city. Juan Carlos Navarro, Panama’s environment minister, described the logistics of COP30 as “a nightmare” and expressed little hope for a positive outcome. “To be frank,” he said, “I’ve seen a lot of hot air and very little progress.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about global climate efforts in the context of political opposition designed with clear questions and concise answers
FAQs Global Climate Action Political Opposition
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is the main point of this news
Despite the US under President Trump pulling back from international climate agreements other world leaders and the United Nations are pushing forward and even strengthening their commitments to fight climate change
2 What is a climate call to action
Its a urgent appeal from scientists leaders or organizations for governments and businesses to take immediate significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate impacts
3 Why is Trump opposed to these climate efforts
The opposition was primarily based on economic concerns arguing that international climate agreements like the Paris Accord would hurt American businesses and jobs and impose unfair financial burdens on the US
4 What is the Paris Agreement
Its a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 where nearly every country in the world pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming
5 Did the US leaving the Paris Agreement stop global climate action
No While it was a significant setback it prompted many other countries cities and companies to reaffirm and even increase their own climate goals showing that global momentum continued
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 How did other countries respond to the US opposition
Many including the European Union and China publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement Some saw it as an opportunity to take a leadership role in the global clean energy transition
7 What specific actions have leaders taken to advance efforts
Actions include setting more ambitious netzero emissions targets investing heavily in renewable energy like solar and wind implementing carbon pricing policies and forming new international alliances focused on climate finance and technology
8 What role did nongovernment groups play
Subnational actors like US states cities and major corporations pledged to meet Paris Agreement goals independently creating a powerful countermovement within the US itself
9 What is a common problem when one major country opts out
It can create a freerider problem where one country benefits from the actions of others without bearing the costs It can also lead to concerns about competitive disadvantages for industries in countries that are implementing climate
