Next Trump term could reshape global climate policy
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According to a new study by Energy Innovation, a San Francisco-based climate policy think-tank, U.S. carbon emissions could increase by 1.7 gigatonnes in 2030 if President Joe Biden’s climate policies are rolled back under a second Trump administration. The study also predicted 1.7 million fewer jobs in 2030 if Biden-era investments in clean energy are halted. The impacts would also be felt globally, with increased warming potentially pushing the planet past key thresholds.
A potential reversal of President Biden’s climate policies under a second Trump administration could result in a significant jump in U.S. carbon emissions, per a new analysis by think-tank Energy Innovation. Such a move could lead to a 1.7 gigatonnes increase in emissions by 2030, as well as 1.7 million fewer jobs.
Trump’s skepticism of climate science and opposition to international climate negotiations, including his withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Accord, could have monumental global consequences. If Trump were to reintroduce his previous rollbacks on emission regulations, it could further exacerbate global warming at a critical juncture.
Biden’s Climate Policies and Their Impact
Energy Innovation’s analysis reveals Biden’s policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act, have resulted in $500 billion US in private investments and the creation of 330,000 new jobs in just two years. Such climate-focused legislation has driven 180 new clean energy projects in the U.S., signaling a positive impact on the transition to clean energy.
Investments in batteries and electric vehicles, as well as solar module manufacturing, have been the primary drivers of this growth, according to Anand Gopal, executive director of policy research at Energy Innovation. Gopal emphasized that the legislation was designed to incentivize private sector investment in clean technology over fossil fuels.
Trump’s Environmental Impact During His First Administration
During his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from international climate negotiations and cancelled many environmental regulations brought in by Barack Obama. He used the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to roll back regulations on pollution, reduce emissions from vehicles and cut down on methane emissions.
Global Importance of U.S. Climate Action
As the world’s second-largest emitter, the U.S. plays a vital role in global warming. The Inflation Reduction Act alone is estimated to lead to over $5 trillion US in global economic benefits until 2050, per a U.S. Treasury Department report.
Trump’s Plan to Boost Oil Drilling
Trump’s pro-drilling stance, characterized by the slogan “drill, baby, drill,” could see an increase in oil and gas production. However, Gopal noted the burgeoning shift towards electric vehicles worldwide, which may decrease the demand for oil on global markets over the coming years.
Detaching Climate Action from Political Cycles
Li Shuo, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, opines that the recent U.S. election highlights the need for climate action to be detached from political cycles. He emphasized the decline in costs of renewable energy sources and a shift towards clean technologies as key drivers for global climate action, irrespective of politics.
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