What's happened
This year saw significant setbacks in global climate efforts, with the US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and failing to participate in COP30. Extreme weather events increased, highlighting the urgency of adaptation and international support, especially for vulnerable nations.
What's behind the headline?
The political landscape in 2025 reveals a retreat from global climate leadership, with the US actively undermining international efforts. This shift hampers collective progress, as the US historically plays a pivotal role in climate negotiations. Meanwhile, the rise in extreme weather—such as California wildfires and Japan's record temperatures—demonstrates that climate change's physical impacts are accelerating. The failure of COP30 to produce a consensus on fossil fuel transition underscores the political stalemate. The focus on adaptation, rather than mitigation, exposes a critical gap: without substantial financial support from wealthy nations, vulnerable countries will struggle to cope with worsening conditions. This year’s events make clear that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a matter of global justice, demanding urgent political action and equitable resource distribution. The next decade will determine whether the international community can overcome these barriers or if climate impacts will become increasingly unmanageable.
What the papers say
The Japan Times highlights the US's rollback of climate policies and Japan’s record temperatures, emphasizing the tangible impacts of climate change. The Guardian provides a critical perspective on the political failures at COP30 and the rise of climate denial, with commentary from George Monbiot on the cultural and political resistance to climate action. Both sources underscore the disconnect between scientific consensus and political will, illustrating how climate change remains a deeply politicized issue that affects global and local communities alike.
How we got here
The 2025 climate story is shaped by political shifts, notably the US's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and reduced engagement in international climate talks. Despite scientific consensus on the link between human activity and extreme weather, political and economic barriers hinder effective global action. The year also saw record-breaking weather in Japan and devastating wildfires in California, illustrating the tangible impacts of climate change.
Go deeper
- What specific actions did the US take to withdraw from climate commitments?
- How are vulnerable countries coping with climate impacts?
- What role did international negotiations play this year?
Common question
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Why Did Global Climate Efforts Fail in 2025?
2025 has been a challenging year for climate action, marked by setbacks and political shifts that hinder progress. Many wonder what caused these failures and what they mean for the future. Below, we explore the key questions about the climate crisis in 2025, including the impact of political decisions, extreme weather, and what vulnerable nations can do now.
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