Evaluating the Effectiveness of Climate Change Policies and Initiatives in the United States: A Comprehensive Review

• In Event: Perspectives on Climate Issues

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to societies worldwide, necessitating the implementation of effective policies and initiatives to mitigate its impacts. This paper presents a comprehensive review evaluating the effectiveness of climate change policies and initiatives in the United States. This study seeks to provide insights into the successes, limitations, and potential improvements of current climate change strategies. The review encompasses a wide range of policies and initiatives, including regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy development, energy efficiency programs, and adaptation measures. The analysis explores the effectiveness of these strategies in achieving their intended goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. Key findings highlight both achievements and challenges faced by climate change policies in the United States. Successful initiatives include the implementation of renewable portfolio standards, which have significantly increased renewable energy generation.Furthermore, regional and state-level initiatives, such as carbon pricing mechanisms and renewable energy targets, have demonstrated positive outcomes. However, the review also identifies several limitations and obstacles hindering the effectiveness of climate change policies. These include political and economic barriers, inconsistent policy frameworks across states, and the need for greater collaboration between federal, state, and local levels of government. Furthermore, the study reveals disparities in the distribution of policy benefits, with certain communities experiencing disproportionate burdens and limited access to renewable energy and adaptation resources. To address these challenges and improve the effectiveness of climate change policies and initiatives, this review suggests several recommendations.

Author

• Chisom Assumpta Nnajiofor, Suffolk University