Evaluating the effectiveness of climate change policies and initiatives in the United States: A comprehensive review

Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife 1, Chisom Assumpta Nnajiofor 2, *, Adaeze Mary Eze 3, Gibson Owhoro Ofremu 4, Babatunde Yusuf Raimi 5, Samuel Omokhafe Yusuf 6 and Beatrice Akorfa Dziwornu 7

1 School of Water, Energy, and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom.
2 College of Arts in Public Policy, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, United States.
3 College of Business, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82070, United States.
4 Stuart School of Business, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois 60661, United States.
5 Hult International Business School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States.
6 Institute of Science and Technology for Development, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States.
7 Kogod School of Business, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States.
 
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(01), 1477–1501
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.1.2920
 
Publication history: 
Received on 15 August 2024; revised on 12 October 2024; accepted on 15 October 2024
 
Abstract: 
Climate change presents profound challenges, demanding effective policies to mitigate its impacts. This paper reviews the effectiveness of climate policies in the United States, analyzing scholarly articles, government reports, and relevant literature. The review covers diverse policies such as greenhouse gas regulations, renewable energy initiatives, energy efficiency programs, and adaptation measures. It assesses their success in reducing carbon emissions, advancing a low-carbon economy, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. Key findings highlight significant successes, such as the rise in renewable energy due to renewable portfolio standards and reduced emissions from vehicle fuel efficiency standards. State-level initiatives, like carbon pricing and renewable energy targets, also show promising outcomes. However, the review identifies substantial challenges, including political and economic obstacles, inconsistent policies across states, and the need for better federal-state-local collaboration. Additionally, disparities in policy benefits, with marginalized communities facing greater burdens and limited access to renewable resources, are significant concerns. To enhance the effectiveness of climate policies, the study recommends fostering coherent policies across all government levels, promoting equitable and inclusive climate solutions, raising public awareness, and supporting innovation in clean technologies. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that effectively address climate change, promote sustainability, and ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon future.
 
Keywords: 
Policymakers; Climate; United States; Low-carbon; Greenhouse
 
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