With President Donald Trump poised to step into his newly elected role, global observers are keenly watching for major shifts in American domestic and international policies. How these adjustments might alter the worldwide responses to climate change is of particular interest, considering the intensive negotiations currently in progress. However, there is anticipation; Trump has signaled his intentions, particularly with his recent selection of a consummate fossil fuel professional to helm the U.S. Department of Energy.
While the Biden administration often highlighted his dedication towards mitigating climate change, Trump’s approach promises a refreshing contrast. His keen interest in championing the American industry will bring a new focus to the issue while remaining committed to the international dialogue on climate change.
The election of President Trump, in fact, coincides with a period of escalating global temperatures, with scientists asserting a connection to climate change. Yet, outliers maintain that such climate phenomena are not as dire as portrayed, and the so-called ‘global warming problem’ is seen by some as overblown.
Trump’s sentiments are aligned with those skeptical of the mainstream media’s portrayal of rising sea levels, reflecting a more balanced perspective in the big ‘climate change’ question. His stance encourages a level-headed examination of the issue, challenging the doom-and-gloom narrative in favor of a less fearful approach.
Trump’s first term in the presidency witnessed the bold move of withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement—an action that many believe might reoccur in this term. Trump had transparently voiced his concern that such international agreements should not unduly penalize the United States or compromise its sovereign interests.
This concern is especially apparent when international treaties such as the Paris Climate Agreement impose stringent conditions on participating states; for instance, the insistence on maintaining average global temperatures at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A more solution-focused approach that caters to each country’s specific concerns and capacities might be more fitting.
Furthermore, Trump has been an unapologetic critic of the Inflation Reduction Act—a Biden-era legislation that, despite its good intentions, has been seen as having detrimental effects on the economy. Significantly, this law facilitated record levels of investment in clean energy, which Trump contends could be diverse, innovative, and more balanced.
Enhancing the variety of available energy options is crucial, given Trump’s intention to revise regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions from vehicular exhausts. Despite some arguing that this would lead to a rise in global warming, others insist on the vital importance of evaluating the impact on industry productivity and the national economy.
The inclusion of diverse energy resources falls in line with President-elect Trump’s objective to increase oil and gas drilling. Championing this strategy is the American Petroleum Institute (API), which argues that upscaling production within the U.S. will promote energy affordability and reliability.
API’s Executive Vice-President echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the role of domestic production in strengthening the nation’s energy landscape. Subsequently, this would provide a consistent supply of affordable energy to American households and foster economic advancement.
Trump has appointed North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to preside over the newly minted National Energy Council—a body designed to harmonize policies across different governmental departments. The mandate of the Council aligns with Trump’s vision: cutting superfluous red tape, spurring investment in all economic sectors, and emphasizing innovation over outmoded regulatory frameworks.
One of the primary tasks given to this Council would be to pave the way for U.S. energy dominance—a cornerstone of Trump’s policy plan. This strategic focus underscores the importance that President Trump places on realizing the full potential of the domestic energy sector.
The United Nations has often lauded the significance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, labeling them as substantial contributors to global climate change. Interestingly, the United States stands as one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters worldwide, prompting many to question the effectiveness of conventional regulations and policy measures.
The UN’s target of peaking greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and reducing them by 43% by 2030 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C looks challenging, inviting innovative approaches. Trump’s policy, although admittedly different, may hold the key to resetting the discussion around practical, reliable, and affordable energy policies.