The United States is rapidly retreating from its climate commitments: President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed climate change as a hoax, wasted no time rolling back U.S. engagement in his first weeks in office.
His administration has threatened climate-focused federal agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; reneged on a $4 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund; and withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, leaving many experts uncertain about the future of global climate diplomacy and finance.
But as U.S. funding disappears, some billionaires and philanthropic foundations are pledging to fill the void and ensure financing for climate programs continues.