Over the past week, climate change has remained at the center of political and environmental discussions across the United States and around the globe. In a major policy shift, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders aimed at reviving the US coal industry, describing coal as beautiful, clean, abundant, and cost effective. These orders direct federal agencies to expedite leases for coal mining on federal lands and streamline the permitting process, reversing many Biden-era regulations that had sought to curb greenhouse gas emissions. This move has been met with concern from environmental advocates who warn that boosting coal production poses a setback to the nation’s emission reduction efforts. The attempt to rejuvenate coal comes despite a long-term decline of the industry, which saw nearly 100 coal plants retire or announce closures during Trump’s first term, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic and environmental priorities in US energy policy according to Earth.Org.

At the state level, progress on clean energy continues. Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order reinforcing the state’s commitment to transitioning to electric vehicles. The order establishes a working group to guide implementation of the state’s clean car and truck programs and reflects an emphasis on reducing emissions from transportation while considering the needs of businesses and historically overburdened communities. Environmental leaders in Maryland emphasized that resilient and flexible planning is key, especially in the face of shifting federal stances, as reported by the League of Conservation Voters.

In terms of climate patterns, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that La Nina conditions in the tropical Pacific have ended and neutral conditions are now present. This transition means the likelihood of extreme climate swings in the United States is reduced for the next few months. However, there remains a substantial range of possible outcomes for late 2025, as model forecasts have limited accuracy during the spring season due to what is called the spring predictability barrier. As a result, much of the southern United States can expect well-above-average temperatures this month, while drier-than-average conditions may persist across the central and eastern regions, potentially worsening drought conditions. The weather outlook suggests that only certain regions, like the Pacific Northwest and northern Great Lakes, are likely to see above average precipitation, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center.

Globally, EarthX 2025 is drawing attention in Dallas, Texas, as the world’s largest environmental expo opens its doors to over one hundred seventy thousand attendees. The event highlights innovations in renewable energy, water conservation, and biodiversity solutions while fostering collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and the public. This international focus underscores that while US policy moves remain deeply influential, global momentum for climate solutions is strong, with both local actions and international gatherings setting the stage for future progress.