Policies and Movements for Climate Action

Climate action is being driven by both policy measures at the national and international levels, as well as grassroots movements led by individuals, organizations, and communities. Together, these efforts are pushing for significant change to address the climate crisis. In this article, we will explore some of the most influential policies and movements that are shaping the future of climate action.

Key Policies for Climate Action

1. The Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a global treaty that brings countries together in the fight against climate change. Its main goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Every country under this agreement is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries submit their NDCs, which outline their plans for reducing emissions. These are revised every five years to encourage increased ambition.

2. Carbon Pricing

Carbon pricing is a policy tool used to put a price on carbon emissions, encouraging companies and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Two main mechanisms are used:

• Carbon Taxes: Governments set a price per ton of carbon emitted, encouraging businesses and consumers to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

• Emissions Trading Systems (ETS): Also known as cap-and-trade systems, these set a cap on total emissions and allow companies to buy and sell allowances, incentivizing reductions where they are most cost-effective.

The European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is one of the largest and most established cap-and-trade systems, aiming to reduce emissions across Europe.

3. Renewable Energy Policies

Governments worldwide are adopting policies to promote the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. These include:

• Feed-in tariffs and subsidies for solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

• Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): These set minimum targets for renewable energy use by utilities.

• Investment in research and development of new clean technologies to improve energy efficiency and storage.

Countries like Germany, through its Energiewende (energy transition) policy, have significantly increased their renewable energy share, serving as a model for other nations.

4. Green New Deal

The Green New Deal is a bold policy framework that aims to address climate change alongside economic and social issues. It focuses on transitioning to renewable energy, creating green jobs, and addressing environmental justice. Though it originated in the U.S., similar frameworks have been proposed in other countries, pushing for large-scale government intervention to combat climate change.

5. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals provide a global blueprint for achieving sustainability. Goal 13 specifically calls for urgent action to combat climate change, urging countries to integrate climate change measures into national policies and strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards.

Influential Climate Movements

1. Fridays for Future

Fridays for Future is a youth-led climate movement started by Greta Thunberg. What began as a solo protest in front of the Swedish Parliament quickly grew into a global movement, with millions of students and activists demanding stronger climate action from political leaders. The movement has successfully brought the urgency of climate change to the forefront of public discourse.

2. Extinction Rebellion (XR)

Extinction Rebellion is an international movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience to demand action on the climate crisis. XR calls for governments to declare a climate emergency, achieve net-zero emissions by 2025, and create citizens’ assemblies to guide climate policy. Its methods—such as blocking roads and staging protests—have drawn significant media attention.

3. 350.org

Founded by environmentalist Bill McKibben, 350.org is a global movement focused on reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million—the safe upper limit according to scientists. The organization leads grassroots campaigns to divest from fossil fuels, promote renewable energy, and push for climate justice.

4. Sunrise Movement

The Sunrise Movement is a U.S.-based youth organization that advocates for a Green New Deal and climate policies that prioritize job creation, social justice, and a transition to renewable energy. By organizing sit-ins, protests, and political lobbying, they have succeeded in influencing public debate around climate policy.

5. Climate Justice Movement

The Climate Justice movement emphasizes the ethical and social dimensions of climate change, highlighting how the most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by its impacts. It calls for an equitable transition to a low-carbon future, ensuring that marginalized communities benefit from climate action rather than bearing the brunt of environmental damage.

Conclusion

Combating climate change requires both top-down and bottom-up approaches. National and international policies like the Paris Agreement and carbon pricing are crucial for reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. Meanwhile, grassroots movements like Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion are pushing governments and corporations to act faster and more effectively. Together, these policies and movements are driving the global climate action needed to secure a sustainable future.