ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the US has the potential and indeed the obligation to play a major role as world leader in tackling climate change and shaping a more sustainable world. A key area which impacts on tackling climate change and shaping a more sustainable world is the issue of military expenditure and associated war and conflict. Political leadership is a key element in action on climate change. Early on in his Presidency, Barack Obama stressed the importance of US political leadership in global fight against climate change. The Obama administration worked closely with the Chinese government to build momentum ahead of the COP21 Paris agreement on climate change. The election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of US points to a significant retrenchment on climate change and environmental protection, both domestically and internationally. Trump's policy stance on climate change has met with opposition not just from environmentalists and climate scientists but also from key actors in business community.
