Trump’s Day One Actions to Exacerbate Climate Crisis
On his first day in office, President Trump signed a series of executive orders that signal a significant shift in environmental policy away from the path set by the Biden administration. These executive orders and memoranda lay the groundwork for fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises, including withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement, expanding fossil fuel extraction, and rolling back environmental regulations implemented by the previous administration.
Withdrawing From the Paris Agreement
One of the most impactful executive orders signed by Trump instructs the US Ambassador to the United Nations to formally notify the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement. This international agreement, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was signed in 2016 and committed countries to regular updates on their climate plans. By withdrawing from the agreement, the US is turning its back on global efforts to combat climate change, a move that has drawn criticism from environmental experts worldwide.
Jonathan Foley, the executive director of Project Drawdown, condemned the decision as short-sighted and harmful to people already affected by climate change. The order also rescinds the US International Climate Finance Plan, further isolating the US from international efforts to address climate issues.
Encouraging Fossil Fuel Extraction
Three executive orders focus on expanding fossil fuel extraction in the US. Trump’s orders aim to remove barriers to oil and gas drilling, particularly in Alaska, where a controversial project was approved by the Biden administration. These orders also declare a national energy emergency and promote energy production on federal lands, threatening to reverse progress made in transitioning to green energy sources.
Bob Ward, policy director at the London School of Economics’ Grantham Research Institute, warned that Trump’s actions could have severe economic consequences for the US, ultimately ceding global leadership on climate change to countries like China.
Suspending New Offshore Wind Farms and Redirecting Water in California
In addition to promoting fossil fuel extraction, Trump suspended new leasing for offshore wind farms and redirected water in California. These actions further prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability, risking irreversible damage to ecosystems and exacerbating climate issues.
By rolling back climate initiatives and prioritizing fossil fuel extraction, Trump’s executive orders set the stage for a contentious battle over environmental policy. The implications of these actions could reverberate for years to come, shaping the future of environmental regulation in the US and beyond.
