Alaska’s Charm, China’s Renewables, Biden’s Prudence may Counter Trump’s Climate Impact

TL/DR –

President-elect Donald Trump plans to roll back environmental protections, halt clean energy projects, and increase oil drilling, raising concerns about the impact on climate action. The Biden Administration has protected 84% of roughly $96.7 billion in clean energy grants as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, adding pressure for the incoming administration to follow through with these commitments. Despite Trump’s pledge for increased oil drilling, the global transition away from fossil fuels continues, with major banks refusing to finance projects in pristine wilderness areas, and other countries like China leading investments in clean energy technology.

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intent to roll back environmental protections, halt clean energy projects, and increase oil drilling, causing concerns about the potential impact on climate action. The US experienced between $693 and $799 billion in damages from extreme weather events in the last year, according to estimates from AccuWeather’s Global Weather Center, highlighting the need for environmental protection.

Trump’s potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, could also impact international climate efforts. The question remains whether Trump’s presidency will be a complete nightmare for climate action and how it will impact the US’s role in the fight against climate change.

Biden protects billions in clean energy grants

Despite Trump’s intentions, the Biden Administration has safeguarded 84% of approximately $96.7 billion of clean energy grants from being withdrawn by the incoming administration. These grants, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, include programs to retrofit homes and encourage clean energy production. As part of the transition away from fossil fuels, UK Energy Secretary Ed Milliband has stated that the shift toward renewable energy is “unstoppable”.

The US is already producing record amounts of oil and gas

The US set oil production records in 2023 and is projected to break these records in 2024, showing that Trump’s pledge to increase oil production aligns with current trends. However, interest in new projects, such as drilling the pristine Alaskan wilderness, has been minimal, indicating potential resistance to further oil and gas development.

Other countries can step up to the plate

If the US withdraws from the Paris Agreement under Trump’s presidency, other nations may need to increase their climate action efforts. China, currently the world’s largest emitter, is already producing more solar and wind power than the rest of the world combined. The European Union has also made significant strides in shifting to renewable energy, producing over half of its electricity from renewable sources for the first time last year. Climate advocates urge global leaders to resist Trump’s potential backtracking on climate commitments and continue to prioritize climate action.

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