Trump 2.0: What it means for the global climate fight
For years, Trump has openly doubted the reality of climate change. With his return to the presidency, many fear a reversal of hard-won climate progress
As the US presidential election results unfolded, people around the world watched with a mix of anxiety and hope. When it was revealed that Donald Trump would return as the 47th president, the announcement brought a combination of shock and optimism.
This historic comeback—making Trump the first US president in over a century to reclaim office after a break—raises critical questions about America's approach to urgent global challenges. None of these is more pressing than climate change, a topic where Trump's views have long been a source of controversy.
For years, Trump has openly doubted the reality of climate change, even famously calling it a "Chinese hoax" at one point. During his first term, he withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement, rolled back vital environmental protections, and frequently questioned climate science, often siding with fossil fuel interests.
With his return to the presidency, many fear a reversal of hard-won climate progress. However, others argue that the global momentum toward renewable energy is too strong to be reversed by political headwinds. The key question is no longer just about Trump's stance—it's whether he will seize this moment to contribute to a greener, more sustainable world.
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This time, Trump's campaign rhetoric on climate seemed more measured, leaving room for hope that his administration might take a different approach. As he also promises to pursue peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini even suggested that Trump could be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the larger question persists: will Trump's legacy include a meaningful commitment to climate action?
Trump's reluctance vs multilateral climate initiatives
Trump's consistent refusal to support international climate initiatives has been a deep disappointment for environmental advocates. Meanwhile, multilateral development banks (MDBs) are stepping up to fill the gap, committing to raise $120 billion annually by 2030 to support low- and middle-income countries. Of this, $42 billion will be dedicated to climate adaptation, with an additional goal of attracting $65 billion from private-sector investments.
There is also a growing push for solidarity levies to fund climate and development initiatives. Recently, Djibouti, Fiji, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Zambia joined the Coalition for Solidarity Levies under the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados proposed imposing levies on sectors such as shipping, aviation, and fossil fuels, suggesting these could generate as much as $350 billion annually for climate finance.
Canada has launched the Project Gaia Platform, a climate finance initiative in collaboration with Seyni Nafo, Coordinator for the Global Climate Fund and the Africa Adaptation Initiative. Canada has pledged $1.4 billion to the platform, with 25% allocated specifically for least-developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) to support climate adaptation.
The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to international climate finance, pledging GBP £11.6 billion for the period from 2021 to 2026, with GBP £3 billion earmarked for nature-based solutions. UK Secretary of State Ed Miliband also announced GBP £5 million ( $6.5 million) for the Climate and Clean Air Coalition's Fossil Fuel Regulatory Program, aimed at helping 20 developing nations reduce methane emissions. Meanwhile, Sweden pledged 200 million Swedish kronor ( $18.4 million) to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, urging other nations to contribute as well.
The climate clock is ticking
Trump's re-election comes at a time when scientists, environmentalists, and communities worldwide are urgently raising alarms about the escalating threat of climate change. The State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report shows that Asia's temperatures are rising faster than the global average, with 2023 witnessing a 2°C increase above baseline levels from 1961 to 1990. These figures are more than statistics—they reflect a grim reality of severe droughts in China, devastating floods in Pakistan, and increasingly deadly extreme weather events.
Professor Peter Newman from Curtin University has warned that humanity is at a "critical juncture." Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are trapping more heat in the atmosphere, accelerating ice cap melting, and threatening global biodiversity.
The US National Snow and Ice Data Center reported that in early 2023, Antarctic ice cover hit a record low—a staggering 1.91 million square kilometer decrease since 1979. This is not just a warning about warmer weather—it is an existential crisis.
A unique responsibility for the United States
As the world's largest economy and one of its biggest carbon emitters, the United States bears a significant responsibility in addressing climate change. To put this in perspective, the US emits approximately 5 tons of carbon dioxide per person annually, while countries like Bangladesh contribute only 124 kilograms per person.
Yet, nations like Bangladesh—despite contributing minimally to the crisis—are among the hardest hit, facing rising sea levels and increasingly destructive weather patterns. This inequity underscores the moral obligation of wealthier nations to lead in reducing emissions and supporting vulnerable countries.
Effective management and transparency in climate funds are essential, but political interests often undermine these efforts, leaving those most in need without adequate support. For meaningful change to occur, strong, open systems for climate funding—led by developed countries and international organisations—are crucial.
COP-29: An opportunity for action
COP-29 is not just another diplomatic summit; it represents a critical opportunity for tangible climate solutions. Bangladesh and other nations most affected by climate change are looking to developed countries for financial and technological support. For the United States, COP-29 could be a defining moment to demonstrate renewed leadership in global climate efforts.
However, the absence of key leaders—such as Indian Prime Minister Modi, Brazilian President Lula, US President Biden, Chinese President Xi, and German Chancellor Scholz—raises serious concerns. Together, these nations account for over 55% of global emissions, and their absence makes it harder to secure meaningful commitments.
The time for global responsibility is now
The climate crisis is too urgent to ignore. While every country has a role to play, the largest emitters bear the greatest responsibility. Real progress requires not only setting bold goals but also ensuring that climate funds are effectively used to help the most impacted communities. Developed nations like the United States must lead by example, demonstrating accountability and a commitment to a sustainable future.
As Trump embarks on what is likely his final term, there is hope that he will rise to the occasion and redefine his legacy—from climate sceptic to climate champion. Prioritising climate action at COP-29 could signal a turning point for his administration and offer a glimmer of hope for the planet.
By seizing this moment, world leaders have the opportunity to leave a legacy of collaboration and responsibility, paving the way for a safer, more livable world.
Nafew Sajed Joy is a writer and researcher. He is a former student of the Department of Printing and Publication Studies the University of Dhaka.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
