With former President Donald Trump back in office, climate change discussions have taken a different path in the U.S. He is known for his skepticism of climate policies and agreements. In the past Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement and rolled back environmental regulations in favor of energy independence and economic prosperity. If similar policies are implemented again, the impacts on both national and global climate initiatives could be drastic. His administration’s focus may move toward growing out fossil fuel production, which would lead to increased carbon emissions and draw setbacks to renewable energy.
This approach, if executed, could hinder the progress made by global agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental groups and scientists have expressed concerns that without strong climate policies, the U.S. risks missing its goals for reducing emissions and combating climate change. The lack of government support for sustainable energy sources could also discourage private investments in green technologies, potentially impacting jobs in that industry and delaying advancements in sustainable infrastructure.
However, individual states and businesses may continue to promote renewable energy and going-green initiatives, despite federal policy changes. States like California and New York have maintained great, effective climate policies, aiming for carbon neutrality and significant reductions in emissions. This determination could help mitigate some of the national policy shifts, even though challenges still remain for our country to play a leading role in global climate action.