What does Trump’s reelection mean for climate policy? Will it be as bad as we fear? Or are there some silver linings? Summary thoughts by David Carlin.
Overview:
What would a second Trump term mean for U.S. climate policy? While many fear major setbacks, there could be unexpected outcomes. Here’s a summary of four key themes covered in the video below, with visuals and data illustrating how the election results might impact global and national climate action.
Key Themes:
- Intensified ESG Politicization: Expect increased pushback on global ESG initiatives and a rollback of climate-related regulations, potentially stalling some international cooperation on climate goals.
- Rising Emissions, Reduced International Commitments: With the potential dismantling of parts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and likely withdrawal from climate agreements, a Trump administration could mean higher emissions and fewer global climate commitments.
- Surprisingly Bipartisan Renewable Growth: Renewable energy production spans both red and blue states, with Texas, California, and Iowa leading in wind and solar. This bipartisan success could limit some impacts of federal policy changes.
- Stable U.S. Energy Mix: Despite policy shifts, America’s energy mix remains stable, with the U.S. consistently leading in fossil fuel production since the Obama era. This continuity in fossil fuel dominance may shape the future of energy policy, regardless of election outcomes.
