EPA Greenhouse Gas Rollback Sparks Legal Backlash as Cities and Nations Lead Climate Action Forward

The Trump administration has escalated its rollback of climate protections by finalizing a rule that undermines the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. According to the World Resources Institute, on February 12th the EPA reversed its own scientific finding established after years of analysis that concluded greenhouse gas pollution endangers human health. This reversal allows the agency to avoid regulating emissions under the Clean Air Act. The action also included the repeal of greenhouse gas emissions standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles. Environmental groups have responded swiftly, with 17 leading public health and environmental organizations filing suit against the decision. These groups include the American Public Health Association, American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. According to the World Resources Institute, this rollback sends a message that the government no longer cares about rising energy bills, extreme weather increasing homeowner insurance costs, or farmers losing crops due to climate impacts.

Meanwhile, positive developments are emerging internationally. Yale Environment 360 reports that Brazil's Amazon rainforest is on track for record low deforestation, with only 516 square miles cleared over the past six months, the lowest amount since 2014. Researchers attribute this success to improved enforcement against illegal logging, farming, and ranching. This reduction in forest clearing has also led to significant decreases in Brazil's greenhouse gas emissions.

In the United States, cities are taking climate adaptation into their own hands. Urban Land Magazine reports that flooding caused two trillion dollars in economic losses in 2024, prompting cities to develop networks of green infrastructure systems to reduce property and infrastructure damage from water. The Urban Land Institute convened 40 leaders to establish eight key findings on supporting urban green infrastructure despite policy and financing obstacles.

Additionally, South Carolina is pioneering innovative approaches to coastal climate adaptation. Governing Magazine reports that South Carolina's Lowcountry, made up of tidal marshes, uplands, barrier islands, and oyster reefs, faces increasing threats from sea-level rise, storm surges, and saltwater intrusion. A new mapping tool funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation enables planners, communities, and conservationists to track salt-marsh migration and prepare for rising seas.

Looking ahead, major climate events are scheduled throughout 2026, including the World Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi from February 25th to 27th and COP31 in Antalya, Turkey in November, where Australia will lead negotiations.

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