The irreversible momentum of clean energy is driven by private-sector efforts that help decouple emissions from economic growth. Barack Obama highlights that the United States has achieved sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while experiencing economic growth, with CO₂ emissions from the energy sector falling by 9.5% from 2008 to 2015, while the economy grew by more than 10%. This decoupling challenges the notion that climate action requires lower growth or a lower standard of living. Global evidence also shows that emissions can remain stable while the economy grows, as seen in the 2015 IEA report. Economic models suggest that warming of 4°C could cost 1-5% of global GDP annually by 2100, with some estimates at 4% of global GDP. These estimates do not account for potential catastrophic events or the impact of climate change on economic growth. Therefore, investments in reducing emissions and increasing resilience are justified by the benefits of avoiding climate damages. Private-sector emissions reductions are also significant, with companies like Alcoa and General Motors setting goals to reduce emissions. Energy efficiency initiatives, such as fuel economy standards and appliance standards, have led to substantial carbon pollution reductions and cost savings for consumers. The power sector is transforming due to market dynamics, with natural gas replacing coal and renewable energy costs falling dramatically. Renewable electricity costs fell 41% for wind, 54% for rooftop solar, and 64% for utility-scale solar between 2008 and 2015. Companies like Google and Walmart are leading the shift to renewable energy, with Google aiming for 100% renewable energy and Walmart targeting 100% renewable energy in the future. Global momentum is evident, with the Paris Agreement marking a shift in diplomatic landscape, leading to substantial climate action. The U.S. should remain engaged in the Paris process to hold other countries accountable and ensure economic benefits from a low-carbon future. The U.S. should prioritize decarbonizing its energy system, storing carbon, and reducing non-CO₂ emissions. The article concludes that the U.S. is well-suited to lead in the climate challenge and reap economic benefits from a clean-energy economy.The irreversible momentum of clean energy is driven by private-sector efforts that help decouple emissions from economic growth. Barack Obama highlights that the United States has achieved sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while experiencing economic growth, with CO₂ emissions from the energy sector falling by 9.5% from 2008 to 2015, while the economy grew by more than 10%. This decoupling challenges the notion that climate action requires lower growth or a lower standard of living. Global evidence also shows that emissions can remain stable while the economy grows, as seen in the 2015 IEA report. Economic models suggest that warming of 4°C could cost 1-5% of global GDP annually by 2100, with some estimates at 4% of global GDP. These estimates do not account for potential catastrophic events or the impact of climate change on economic growth. Therefore, investments in reducing emissions and increasing resilience are justified by the benefits of avoiding climate damages. Private-sector emissions reductions are also significant, with companies like Alcoa and General Motors setting goals to reduce emissions. Energy efficiency initiatives, such as fuel economy standards and appliance standards, have led to substantial carbon pollution reductions and cost savings for consumers. The power sector is transforming due to market dynamics, with natural gas replacing coal and renewable energy costs falling dramatically. Renewable electricity costs fell 41% for wind, 54% for rooftop solar, and 64% for utility-scale solar between 2008 and 2015. Companies like Google and Walmart are leading the shift to renewable energy, with Google aiming for 100% renewable energy and Walmart targeting 100% renewable energy in the future. Global momentum is evident, with the Paris Agreement marking a shift in diplomatic landscape, leading to substantial climate action. The U.S. should remain engaged in the Paris process to hold other countries accountable and ensure economic benefits from a low-carbon future. The U.S. should prioritize decarbonizing its energy system, storing carbon, and reducing non-CO₂ emissions. The article concludes that the U.S. is well-suited to lead in the climate challenge and reap economic benefits from a clean-energy economy.