New U.S. Paris Agreement Pledge Sets Bold Target and Provides Clues for Climate Change Business Planning and Advocacy Efforts

The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) ended on November 22, 2025. Among other things, the package of decisions reflected in the Belém Political Package brings renewed focus on scaling up climate finance and accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement. The event sharpened focus on implementation and finance rather than binding global commitments. Key issues emerging out of COP30 include:

On November 18, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted a partial injunction blocking enforcement of California’s climate-related financial risk disclosure law (SB 261). Inaugural reports under SB 261 were intended to be published by reporting entities by January 1, 2026. Akin wrote on the subject in full detail here.

Akin is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of Infocast’s Projects & Money Summit taking place January 12–14, 2026 in New Orleans.

On December 9, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that it will convene a public hearing on February 26, 2026, to consider approving the adoption of regulations governing California’s climate-related disclosure statutes: SB 253 and SB 261.[1] CARB also published the proposed regulatory text, which we explore below.