April 22, 2021
As Leaders Summit on Climate Opens, Biden-Harris Administration Sets Tone with New Initiatives
How Is the Biden-Harris Administration Setting the Tone on Climate Action?
The Biden-Harris Administration has made climate policy a centerpiece of its agenda, signaling a “whole of government” approach to addressing the climate crisis through new executive actions and international engagement.
Key Context
On April 22, 2021—Earth Day and the opening of the Leaders Summit on Climate—the Biden Administration underscored its commitment to global climate leadership. Within days of taking office, President Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement and pledged full participation in upcoming COP negotiations, including COP26 in Glasgow. Earlier that year, he signed Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home,” which set in motion sweeping policies, programs, and goals across federal agencies. Together, these actions established a new framework for U.S. climate policy, reversing prior approaches and positioning the federal government as a central driver of climate action.
What You’ll Learn
This Issue Brief highlights how the Biden-Harris Administration’s early climate initiatives are shaping U.S. and global policy. You’ll gain insight into the significance of rejoining the Paris Agreement, the role of Executive Order 14008 in launching a “whole of government” climate strategy, and how these commitments set the stage for U.S. participation in global climate negotiations. The brief provides context for companies and stakeholders seeking to understand how federal climate policy direction may influence regulation, disclosure, and business strategy.
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