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🌱 What Trump’s Return Means for U.S. and Global Climate Action 🌎⚡

What does Trump’s return mean for U.S. and global climate action? From exiting the Paris Agreement to boosting fossil fuels, his policies could reshape climate efforts worldwide. Read our in-depth analysis.

Author

Green Glow
January 29, 2025

Donald Trump’s return to the White House brings uncertainty and concern for climate action in the United States and beyond. His first term was marked by aggressive deregulation, withdrawal from international agreements, and support for fossil fuels. As he prepares for a second term, experts anticipate similar, if not more extreme, policies that could weaken global climate efforts. This article explores the potential consequences of Trump’s presidency on climate action at home and abroad.

Table of Contents

1. U.S. Exit from the Paris Agreement—Again

One of Trump’s first moves is expected to be a formal withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the global accord aimed at limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. He previously pulled the U.S. out in 2017, and while Biden rejoined in 2021, a second departure could further damage international cooperation.

What Would This Mean?

  • The U.S. would no longer have legally binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

  • Global climate leadership would shift further toward the European Union, China, and emerging economies.

  • Other countries might delay or weaken their own climate commitments, citing U.S. inaction.

Additionally, Trump’s team is reportedly considering a more drastic step: withdrawing from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) altogether. While legally complex, such a move would signal a complete retreat from multilateral climate diplomacy.

2. Climate Finance Cuts: A Blow to Developing Nations

Under Biden, the U.S. pledged billions of dollars in climate finance to help developing countries transition to clean energy and adapt to climate change. Trump, however, is expected to slash these contributions.

Potential Consequences:

  • The Green Climate Fund (GCF), which helps vulnerable nations mitigate climate risks, would lose crucial funding.

  • Developing countries might struggle to meet their climate goals without U.S. financial support.

  • The U.S. could lose diplomatic influence in climate negotiations, allowing countries like China to fill the gap.

While Trump may not be able to eliminate climate funding entirely—since some programs are controlled by Congress—his administration could significantly reduce contributions, leaving global climate initiatives underfunded.

3. Deregulation and the Rise of Fossil Fuels

Trump has long championed fossil fuel expansion, and his second term is likely to include aggressive deregulation of environmental policies.

Key Actions Expected:

  • Repealing Clean Energy and Emissions Standards: Trump could roll back regulations limiting power plant emissions and methane leaks.

  • Expanding Oil and Gas Drilling: Expect an increase in offshore drilling, Arctic oil exploration, and public land leasing to fossil fuel companies.

  • Weakening the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Climate and pollution regulations could be relaxed, benefiting the fossil fuel industry at the cost of public health and environmental protection.

These policies would likely increase U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it harder for the world to stay on track for net-zero goals.

4. The Future of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed under Biden, is the largest U.S. investment in clean energy and climate action. Trump has criticized it as wasteful spending and may attempt to dismantle it.

Can Trump Eliminate the IRA?

  • Completely repealing the IRA would require Congressional approval, which could be difficult depending on the balance of power.

  • However, Trump could weaken its impact by blocking funding, delaying implementation, or redirecting incentives toward fossil fuels.

Many Republican-led states have benefited from IRA investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) production, making a full repeal politically risky. Nonetheless, expect efforts to slow or alter its implementation.

5. Climate Science Under Threat

During his first term, Trump downplayed climate change, dismissed scientific research, and cut funding for climate monitoring agencies. His second term could see a repeat of these actions.

Risks to Scientific Institutions:

  • Defunding NASA, NOAA, and the EPA’s climate programs could limit global climate data collection and forecasting.

  • Rolling back research grants for climate science and renewable energy innovation.

  • Spreading misinformation by appointing climate skeptics to key positions.

A weakened scientific community could lead to less public awareness, fewer data-driven policies, and a reduced global understanding of climate risks.

6. The Global Impact: Will the World Move On Without the U.S.?

Despite U.S. setbacks, many countries and industries remain committed to climate progress.

Possible Responses:

  • The European Union and China may take the lead in climate diplomacy and clean energy investment.

  • States and cities within the U.S. could continue climate initiatives independently of federal policy.

  • Private sector investment in renewable energy may continue, driven by market demand and cost reductions.

However, without the U.S. actively participating in global climate action, efforts to curb global emissions could slow, increasing the risk of more severe climate consequences.

Conclusion

Trump’s return to power poses significant challenges for climate policy in the U.S. and worldwide. From withdrawing from the Paris Agreement to boosting fossil fuels and weakening regulations, his administration is likely to reverse key climate progress.

However, resistance from Congress, state governments, businesses, and the international community could prevent a total rollback. The fight for climate action is far from over, and the coming years will be crucial in determining the future of global efforts to combat climate change.

FAQs

Will Trump withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement again?

Yes, Trump is expected to initiate the withdrawal process from the Paris Agreement, as he did during his first term. The process takes about a year, meaning the U.S. would officially exit in 2026.

How will a second Trump term impact global climate action?

Trump’s policies could weaken international climate efforts by reducing U.S. contributions to global climate finance, rolling back emissions regulations, and promoting fossil fuel expansion. However, other nations may step up to fill the leadership gap.

What will happen to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

While Trump has criticized the IRA, fully repealing it would require congressional approval. However, he could attempt to weaken its impact by blocking funding or shifting priorities toward fossil fuels.

Will climate finance for developing countries be affected?

Yes, Trump is likely to cut U.S. contributions to international climate funds like the Green Climate Fund, making it harder for developing nations to transition to clean energy and adapt to climate change.

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