When Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, he ushered in a new chapter in U.S. 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 a 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) witnessed the U.S. reversing 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 sent shockwaves through the global climate governance landscape. This \"climate retreat\" disrupted 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 impeding progress in clean energy and emissions reduction.
The local impact was palpable. The number of states actively pursuing renewable energy policies dropped from 29 in 2013 to 25 by 2019. This shift led to increased U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with estimates projecting only a 15 to 18 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 U.S.'s stalling progress placed additional pressure on other nations to meet global climate goals.
Challenges Ahead in the Trump 2.0 Era
With Trump back in office, the challenges to global green recovery have intensified. The termination of the Green New Deal and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement signal a retreat from multilateral efforts to combat climate change. This retreat threatens to stall international cooperation and may embolden other nations to relax their climate commitments.
Moreover, the ongoing geopolitical tensions add layers of complexity to international climate negotiations. The re-emergence of protectionist policies and trade disputes could hinder the global exchange of green technologies and investments essential for a sustainable future.
Opportunities for Global Collaboration
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for global collaboration to break the deadlock. Asian countries, in particular, could play a pivotal role in leading the green recovery. Nations like China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea have made significant strides in renewable energy development and have reaffirmed their commitments to carbon neutrality.
Regional cooperation initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative's focus on green development, offer platforms for collective action. By strengthening partnerships, sharing technological innovations, and investing in sustainable infrastructure, Asian countries can spearhead efforts to mitigate climate change and promote green growth.
Conclusion
The Trump 2.0 era poses significant obstacles to global green development, but it also underscores the urgency for collective action. As the United States retreats from its climate commitments, the international community, and Asia in particular, must rally to advance the green agenda. Breaking the deadlock requires renewed dedication to collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the face of climate challenges that transcend borders.
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Breaking the deadlock: Global green recovery in Trump 2.0 era
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