Trump’s re-election a major setback for climate action: Experts warn

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election has reignited concerns over global climate action. As the former president prepares to take office for a second term, many climate experts fear the U.S. could pull out of the Paris Agreement, stalling efforts to combat global warming.

Trump, a known climate change skeptic, has made his stance clear. In his victory speech, he emphasized America’s dominance in oil and gas production, stating, “We have more liquid gold than any country in the world, more than Saudi Arabia.” This echoes his earlier campaign promise to ramp up fossil fuel production and signals his intention to exit the Paris Agreement again. His administration’s previous withdrawal from the agreement in 2017 was a blow to global climate efforts, and many worry history could repeat itself.

Environmental experts worry Trump’s re-election could harm global climate progress. Dan Lashof, U.S. director of the World Resources Institute, expressed disappointment but believes U.S. state and local governments and the private sector will still push for clean energy. Lashof hopes Trump will set aside conspiracy theories and take action on the climate crisis that the American people deserve,” said Lashof. He added, “There is no denying that another Trump term could stall national efforts to tackle the climate crisis and protect the environment, but most U.S. leaders remain committed to progress.

The concern extends beyond the U.S. borders, as Trump’s actions could allow other nations to dominate the global clean energy market. Countries like China have invested in renewable energy and manufacturing, creating an economic advantage.

According to Lashof, “Global support for addressing the climate crisis has grown significantly since Donald Trump first took office. Country leaders know that reducing emissions and supercharging clean energy growth strengthens their economies and competitiveness.”

Trump’s climate policies could severely impact. A Carbon Brief pre-election analysis suggested Trump’s policies could result in an additional 4 billion tonnes of U.S. emissions by 2030, compared to Joe Biden’s plans, leading to global climate damages exceeding $900 billion.

Trump’s “Drill, baby, drill” approach to oil and gas production poses risks, especially as the U.S. is the world’s top fossil fuel producer. “Ignoring the climate crisis costing billions and killing hundreds would be irresponsible and immoral,” said Lashof.

Global climate advocates have raised alarms about the setbacks Trump’s presidency could cause in international negotiations. Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, said that with the upcoming COP29 talks in Baku, this development makes securing a global climate finance agreement even more difficult.

“Fighting climate change, financing the transition, and reducing emissions have just become a vastly bigger challenge, which will be felt at COP29 and in the years to come,” Clarkson said.

At the same time, European leaders are being urged to take on a more prominent leadership role in the fight against climate change. The EU has been seen as a key player in maintaining momentum on global climate agreements, especially without U.S. leadership.

Chiara Martinelli, director of the Climate Action Network Europe, emphasized that despite the challenges, Europe must push forward, particularly on financing climate action in vulnerable countries. “Lack of U.S. leadership does not alter the scientific and moral imperative to immediately address global emissions and build climate resilience,” Martinelli said.

As Trump’s re-election threatens the Paris Agreement, many hope for a shift in his position after climate-fueled disasters like recent hurricanes in the U.S. Former Irish Prime Minister Mary Robinson expressed hope these events might lead Trump to reconsider his stance on climate change. “I hope the recent hurricanes in the United States have caused President Trump to rethink his belief that climate change will create ‘more oceanfront properties,’” Robinson said.

As world leaders prepare for COP29 talks, the global community braces for potential fallout from Trump’s policies. His victory raised concerns about international climate agreements, but there’s hope that the momentum for clean energy and climate action will prevail—whether or not the U.S. leads.

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