Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.
How State and Local Governments Can Fight Climate Change
Provided by: Council on Foreign Relations |Published on: December 13, 2025
Articles/Websites
9101112
Synopsis
In this article from the Council on Foreign Relations Education, students will examine how federal, state, and local governments in the United States address climate change.
Students will learn how authority, responsibility, and policy tools differ across levels of government and shape climate action.
The article clearly distinguishes the roles of different levels of government, helping students understand federalism in the context of climate policy.
Short sections and concrete examples make it easy to connect governance structures to real-world climate actions.
Prerequisites
Students should have prior knowledge of basic U.S. government structure, including the division of powers between federal, state, and local levels.
Differentiation & Implementation
Teachers may pair this reading with a case study of a specific climate policy to help students apply abstract governance concepts. Students can also use this resource to find a policy that is specific to their state.
This resource supports connections to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by highlighting how government decisions influence mitigation and adaptation efforts.
To demonstrate their understanding, students can create an informative poster that clearly explains how federal, state, and local governments can encourage or discourage climate action.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
CFR Education from the Council on Foreign Relations
CFR Education provides accurate, accessible, authoritative resources that build the knowledge, skills, and perspective high school and higher education students need to understand and engage with today’s most pressing global issues.
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
