Two months after Donald Trump returned to the presidency, his approach towards climate change is aggressive and alarming. He has promised to reopen coal plants, boost oil and gas production, and slow down the shift to renewable energy. Trump, who calls climate change a “hoax,” is also rolling back environmental standards and has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.
This shift threatens to undo years of progress. The U.S. is the largest polluter globally, and its actions can significantly impact the fight against climate change. Robert Proctor, a science historian, warns that this could lead to a “golden age of ignorance” as scientific inquiry faces cutbacks and restrictions.
During Trump’s first term in 2017, there was a global pushback. No country followed the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, and the European Union committed to carbon neutrality. However, the current climate landscape is more challenging.
New geopolitical tensions, such as wars and rising energy prices, have weakened international cooperation on climate issues. In Europe, for example, environmental concerns are waning in popularity, with protests against regulations becoming common. France has seen environmental organizations facing backlash, and significant environmental laws have stalled or been diluted.
A recent Pew Research survey shows that many Americans now prioritize economic growth over environmental protections. These sentiments complicate efforts to combat climate change, risking increased skepticism around scientific findings.
As the world faces more extreme weather, the need for climate action has never been clearer. Clean energy not only contributes to environmental goals but also reduces dependence on foreign energy sources. China currently leads in clean technology, which adds urgency for the U.S. and Europe to invest in their own energy futures.
To ensure safety, health, and prosperity globally, leaders must prioritize climate security. Instead of retreating in the face of difficulties, they should strive to overcome these challenges to protect the planet for future generations.
Check out this related article: Why Some US Scientists Continue to Champion the IPCC Amid Government Withdrawal from Global Climate Efforts
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