Return Of Trump And The Unresolved Global Issue Of Climate

Today, the US is sitting on the driving seat of Global Leadership. It leads in terms of both economic resources and global impact on climate change alongside China and India and the whole world has the expectation from the Global Leader to resolve the ongoing major problem.

Donald Trump’s 45th presidency: An analysis

If we look and examine the 1st term of Donald Trump from 2015 to 2019 about the climate change issue then we will get only negative and extreme takes from the incoming US president because this has been his clear statement that climate change is a hoax. He does not believe in climate change and its impact throughout the world. And the story remains the same today. In 2017, when Trump took charge as the President of the US he criticised the policies, agreement and investment for climate change. After that, Trump withdrew from the Paris agreement which is a world wide agreement between countries on reduction of greenhouse gases.

Trump argued that the Paris agreement was unfair to the United States and would cost American Jobs, favouring countries like China. He also aims to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a signature framework of the Biden administration. This act offered 400 billion dollars over 10 years to reduce emissions. It funds wind and solar power, electric vehicle battery factories and nuclear reactors.

Trump once said “So they talk all the time about the ocean will rise in 500 years, one-eighth of an inch, who the hell cares? Before moving onto, what according to him is a graver issue “... But we have maniacs who have nuclear weapons, we can't let that happen”

Now, the Republican candidate Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President, beating his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris in a historic comeback so, on the basis of previous stances of the 1st term of Donald Trump, he has significantly raised concerns about how he will tackle climate change in his second term as the President of a world superpower.

According to some climate experts, the world now faces the hazardous climate change impact and this election could lead to an additional 4bn tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gtco) of US emission by 2030, compared to continuing current President Joe Biden's plans, carbon brief analysis found earlier this year.

Role of the US in solving the climate change issue?

The United States plays a pivotal role in addressing global climate change though domestic policies, international diplomacy, and technological innovation. Domestically, the US has made strides with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allocates 369 billion dollars towards clean energy incentives, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by boosting renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicle adoption. Additionally, investments in decarbonising key sectors, like steel and, signifying a commitment to Industrial transformation.

The Biden administration’s infrastructural laws also emphasise carbon capture and hydrogen technologies, which are crucial for long term emission reduction. Internationally, the US rejoined the Paris agreement in 2021 and has played a leadership role in initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge and agreements from COP26 and COP27. These efforts focus on methane reduction and financial support for vulnerable countries affected by climate change. The US has also resumed climate dialogue with China, the world’s largest emitter, aiming to foster cooperation despite geopolitical tensions.

However challenges remain while the US commits to net zero emissions by 2050, domestic fossil fuels production continues, complicating its role as a Global leader. Moving forward, consistent policy implementation and strengthening international alliances will be essential for the US to meet its ambitious targets and influence global climate strategies.

But why does this seem impossible?

Donald Trump’s stance on climate change has been controversial and often contradictory. Throughout his presidency and public life, he has expressed skepticism about climate change. Now, he is going to take the leadership of a world hegemon in terms of soft and hard power which plays a crucial role from time to time in solving the climate change issue. It’s going to be a hazard for the world with power vested in a president with no intention to focus on the climate change issue.

What is the alternative solution?

So, there is a need for the principle of cooperation and accountability for every country to mitigate this issue of climate change. The regional organisations like SAARC, SASEC and OECD must be focused and accountable to make some difference in resolving this issue of climate change.

Regional bodies help align climate policies and standards among member countries, and ensure consistent and effective implementation. For example, the European Union enforces the European green deal, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) promotes climate resilience and sustainable forest management in Southeast Asia. They facilitate the exchange of information, technology and best practices, enabling less developed nations to adopt sustainable solutions. Organisations often create or support financial initiatives for climate action, especially where global funding falls short.

Climate challenges like deforestation, water scarcity and air pollution are often cross border problems. Regional collaboration ensures effective management of shared resources and ecosystems. Regional cooperation acts as intermediaries between global frameworks and national policies, enhancing collaboration and creating tailored solutions for their unique environmental,economic,and social context.

Urman Illahie is pursuing Geography from Jamia Millia Islamia

Edited by- Nausheen Ali Nizami

(Views expressed are of the author and do not purport the views of The Jamia Review)