US Climate Change Policy

The United States is often perceived as sceptical, if not hostile, to the need to address man-made climate change. US government policy has undoubtedly disappointed environmentalists and scientists who believe more concerted action is needed, but a careful examination of the evidence reveals a number of policy actions designed to investigate, mitigate, and adapt to climate change have been implemented. Laws, regulatory action, and court rulings have led to advances in climate science, action to reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions and efforts to prepare for the potential consequences of climate change. In this important book Chris Bailey explains and details the challenges and achievements of US climate change policy from its origins to the present day.

’Bailey’s book does an excellent job of capturing the essential elements of the climate change policy debates in the United States. It provides a concise and cogent analysis of both the underlying factors that determine climate change policy as well as a clear overview of the policies themselves. In all it’s a valuable primer for an audience looking for insight into one of the most important policy areas of our time.’ Christopher Borick, Muhlenberg College, USA ’This important book provides us with a careful, scrupulously researched, and insightful analysis of the difficulties of developing a coherent climate change policy in the US. The study’s sensitivity to the structural, cultural, and institutional features of American politics will make it invaluable not just to environmental specialists but more generally to all students of American government and public policy.’ Gillian Peele, University of Oxford, UK

Christopher J. Bailey is Professor of American Politics, Keele University, UK