(US President Donald Trump signs executive orders on stage at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, January 20, 2025. /CFP)
On January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, marking the start of a new chapter in US climate policy. In his inaugural address, Trump reaffirmed his intention to terminate the Green New Deal and withdraw from the Paris Agreement. At a time of escalating geopolitical tensions and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, the advent of the Trump 2.0 era presents yet another significant challenge to global green development and climate governance.
Trump 1.0: A legacy of setbacks to global green development
Trump's first term (2017–2021) saw the US reverse course on climate action, departing from the pro-climate policies of the Obama administration. The decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and implement policies favoring fossil fuels created ripples across the global climate governance landscape. This "climate retreat" disrupted the momentum for green development and undermined international trust and collaboration.
Domestically, Trump's policies dismantled key climate initiatives, including the Clean Power Plan, replacing them with the fossil fuel-centric "America First" energy plan. Federal funding for climate research and green initiatives was slashed, significantly impairing clean energy and emissions reduction progress.
The local impact was palpable: the number of states actively pursuing renewable energy policies dropped from 29 in 2013 to 25 by 2019. This policy shift led to increased US greenhouse gas emissions, with estimates projecting only a 15 to18 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2025 – far short of the 26 to 28 percent target set during the Obama administration. As the world's largest cumulative carbon emitter, the US's stalling progress placed additional pressure on other nations to meet global climate goals.
(Thick smog shrouds downtown Los Angeles on December 6, 2024. /CFP)
Internationally, Trump's exit from the Paris Agreement sent a negative signal, eroding confidence in multilateral climate frameworks. During negotiations at subsequent climate conferences, the US aligned with other major polluters to block critical agreements, further delaying global progress. Moreover, cuts in US contributions to international climate funds – totaling $10.9 billion – undermined efforts in developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Global climate leadership in Trump's absence
Despite these setbacks, the global response to climate change has persisted, with other major economies stepping up their efforts.
The European Union has advanced its Green Deal, enacting laws to make carbon neutrality by 2050 legally binding. Ambitious initiatives such as the EU Hydrogen Strategy and offshore wind energy expansion have positioned Europe as a leader in green innovation. Similarly, the United Kingdom has implemented its "Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution", committing to phasing out gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
China has also emerged as a key player, announcing its goals to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Under its "1+N" policy framework, China has integrated sector-specific strategies with overarching climate targets, demonstrating comprehensive planning in green development. The enactment of its first Energy Law on January 1 has further underscored its commitment to sustainable growth.
(A riverside photovoltaic power station in east China's Jiangxi Province, January 21, 2025. /CFP)
Trump 2.0: A renewed challenge with hidden opportunities
Trump's return to office poses fresh hurdles for global climate governance. However, the progress made during his absence has laid a foundation for resilient and inclusive climate action.
Strengthening the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) remains critical. Major economies must bolster the UNFCCC's authority and ensure commitments under its framework are met. Special attention should be given to addressing the needs of developing nations through financial and technological support.
The creation of a broader, more inclusive global green fund is another priority. Climate finance serves as a lifeline for vulnerable nations, yet its allocation requires transparent and effective mechanisms. Enhanced public-private collaboration can unlock additional resources, fostering technological innovation and capacity-building efforts worldwide.
Finally, accelerating green technology innovation and knowledge sharing will be pivotal. Breakthroughs in renewable energy, carbon capture, and green infrastructure must be paired with equitable technology transfer mechanisms. Initiatives like the COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge have exemplified how international collaboration can bridge technological gaps and promote sustainable development.
Toward a green and inclusive future
The Trump 2.0 era may exacerbate challenges, but it also underscores the importance of international collaboration and leadership in green recovery. By embracing innovation, strengthening multilateral frameworks, and promoting equity in climate action, the global community can transform adversity into an opportunity for a more sustainable and resilient future.
(The author Guo Bowei is an associate professor at the School of Applied Economics at Renmin University of China, and Zhan Xuhao is a PhD student at the School of Applied Economics at Renmin University of China.)
