The US is signalling a return to the world stage in a leadership role on climate, after President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris climate agreement.

The Americans are at COP26 – a show of force – with a 20-strong US delegation fanning out across the summit to press the case for ambitious action.

But there are a few issues affecting their momentum.

Follow live updates from Glasgow

The first is the ongoing wrangling in Congress around passing President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better bill, which contains crucial climate change legislation.

The second is a lingering sense of shame over the Trump era and his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord.

Sky News asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi if the difficulties getting the bill over the line were affecting American leadership.

COP26: Climate pledges will cut global warming by just a few tenths of a degree, analysis claims

COP26: Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance says 1.5C warming limit is ‘crucial’ and ‘non-negotiable’

COP26: Melting glaciers could see Peru’s economy crash if no action is taken on climate change

She was blunt: “Yes. But we always want to do more. We have to do more.”

She said that the last four years under Donald Trump were “unfortunate”, but that now America’s leadership matters “enormously”, adding: “We made a big commitment to change, and we’re back in.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky News asked Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez whether America has fully recovered its moral authority in the fight against climate change in the post Trump era.

She said: “No, we have not recovered our moral authority.

“I believe that we are making steps, but … we have to actually deliver the action in order to get the respect and authority internationally, to get the credit.

“We have to draw down emissions to get credit for being committed on climate change. It’s really that simple.”

Ms Ocasio-Cortez said that the passing of the Build Back Better bill is extremely high stakes for President Biden and the Democratic party leadership.

Subscribe to ClimateCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Spreaker

“I believe that when we pass our Build Back Better act, we absolutely will then become and regain our position as a leader on climate emissions.

“But there still is more to be done, and that includes the scope of executive actions, additional legislation, and much, much, much more.”

Related posts:

Body of seven-year-old found in river – days after tubing accident killed three of his relatives ‘They were angels’: Loved ones of the missing desperate for answers after Miami Beach disaster Passenger injured after jumping out of taxiing plane in LA Five dead after hot air balloon ‘blown into power lines’ in New Mexico Thousands of homes in danger as massive Californian wildfire gains strength Student stabbed around ‘120 times’ by man she mistook as her Uber driver UK courts helping serve Prince Andrew with legal papers over US sexual assault claims, documents reveal Tesla worth $1trn as investors cheer deal with Hertz which has ordered 100,000 electric vehicles ‘Killed by a vile and evil man’: Serial killer John Wayne Gacy victim identified after 45 years US Republican leader tries to block Biden’s bill with eight-hour speech Protesters clash with police as anger grows over teenager acquitted after killing two people ‘She’s family’: One New Yorker’s fight to keep his emotional support pig