Climate change remains one of the defining global challenges of the 21st century, with recent developments in U.S. climate policy highlighting both the urgency and the complexity of international climate cooperation. In January 2026, the United States formally exited the Paris Agreement following an executive order directing withdrawal from international climate commitments, raising concerns among scientists and policymakers that reduced U.S. engagement could weaken coordinated global responses to rising emissions and climate risks. At the same time, major economies, including the European Union, China, and India, are expanding their renewable energy capacity, clean technology partnerships, and cross-border climate financing initiatives to reduce emissions while strengthening economic resilience.
The Pacific Council will host a conversation on Wednesday, April 8, at 9 am PT, to explore how the United States and other countries can work together to accelerate climate action through diplomacy, technology sharing, and coordinated policy. Members will hear from Clara Gillispie, Senior Fellow for Climate and Energy at the Council on Foreign Relations, Kate Guy, Senior Fellow and Managing Director of the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University SIPA, and Allison Agsten, Director of USC Annenberg’s Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.
Why it’s important:
Global water demand has more than doubled since 1960, with 25 countries now living under extreme water stress, meaning they use at least 80% of their renewable water supply for domestic needs annually.
On December 31, 2025, the Federal Judicial Center published an updated “Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence,” which eliminated approximately 90 pages on climate science from the document. This leaves law clerks and justices without a guide for the technical knowledge needed to handle climate cases.
On February 12, President Trump announced the repeal of the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding, which stated that greenhouse gases endanger human life and has been used to justify the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
To register for this webinar, visit the Zoom Registration Page.
