The Future of Climate Action

Almeida, Paul D. 2026. “The Future of Climate Action.” in The Oxford Handbook of Climate Action. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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Abstract

This chapter examines the most promising gains of multiple forms of climate action and the most pressing challenges to future advancements. While significant climate action advances have occurred over the past 30 years, the current impediments to further expansion of efforts are substantial. In terms of institutional climate action, city-level climate planning, green energy transitions, and the expansion of nature-based climate solutions represent major gains in addressing the climate crisis. On the noninstitutional front, both the global climate social movement and local antiextraction struggles made substantial progress in raising awareness and influencing policy outcomes. Major obstacles remain for expanding climate action in the areas of civic engagement, climate financing, carbon reductionism, climate denialism, and growing authoritarian populism.

Last updated on 01/06/2026