In December 2015 nearly 200 countries adopted the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming. The Obama administration played a major role in the negotiations.
In September 2016 the United States and China, the two largest emitters, formally joined the agreement together.
Changing Course
The agreement became part of a long political back and forth. The United States withdrew under President Trump, rejoined under President Biden, and began withdrawing again in 2025.
Other Actions
Obama also raised fuel economy standards for cars and trucks and expanded protected public lands and marine areas.
Learn More
For primary sources, explore the Obama White House archives maintained by the National Archives, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, and presidential history collections at your local library. Reading accounts from supporters and critics alike gives the fullest picture of any presidency.
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