Breaking Free from Political Constraints

Despite fierce opposition, the advance of clean energy continues unimpeded.

Donald Trump's campaign was built on expanding fossil fuel use, scaling back environmental regulations, and completely denying climate change. True to his word, his policies are undermining clean energy efforts, prioritizing oil and gas developments, and implementing significant changes to environmental laws.

However, there's an opposing force gaining strength. A worldwide revolution in clean technology, powering everything from homes to automobiles without damaging the earth's climate, is in full swing.

Innovations in wind and solar energy, energy storage, and electric transport have reached a point where they can operate independently of political interference. In numerous regions, particularly in the energy sector, the cleanest solutions are often the most efficient, cost-effective, and financially viable. This holds true regardless of one's stance on climate issues.

The Shift Towards Clean Energy

Momentum is growing for renewable energy sources, offering pathways to economic advancement and improved living standards without overheating the planet. Each avoided increase in temperature translates into fewer disasters and a more stable climate, securing our future.

As we find ourselves in 2025, equidistant from the year 2050—the target date for major climate goals—it’s an opportune time to reflect on our journey. Key questions arise: How did we arrive here? Are we progressing at the pace required? And what barriers still exist?

Accelerating Climate Progress

The climate team at Vox embarked on an initiative titled "Escape Velocity," exploring areas where progress towards sustainability is accelerating, technological advances working behind the scenes, and moments where clean technology might completely overcome political hurdles.

While the United States has been instrumental in steering global progress to this juncture, other nations are beginning to take on a leading role. Although the U.S. holds a strong position, governmental interference threatens this advantage. The greater issue at stake isn’t just a green future—it’s retaining the U.S.'s place in the global competition. — Paige Vega, Climate Editor

Editorial Content by: Paige Vega, Carla Javier, Miranda Kennedy, Naureen Khan, Elbert Ventura, Bryan Walsh | Reporting by: Avishay Artsy, Sam Delgado, Adam Clark Estes, Jonquilyn Hill, Melissa Hirsch, Umair Irfan, Benji Jones | Copy Editing and Fact-Checking by: Colleen Barrett, Esther Gim, Sarah Schweppe, Kim Slotterback | Art Direction: Paige Vickers | Data Visualization: Gabrielle Merite | Photography: Gabrielle Merite, Annick Sjobakken | Podcast Production: Matthew Billy | Audience Engagement: Bill Carey, Gabby Fernandez, Shira Tarlo | Special Thanks: Nisha Chittal, Lauren Katz