President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House is anticipated to impact the United States' efforts in combating global warming, according to experts. His plans include increasing domestic fossil fuel production, dismantling key environmental regulations, and reducing federal support for renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Concerns have arisen among U.S. allies and some major energy executives regarding a potential U.S. withdrawal from global climate initiatives. They warn that such a move could negatively affect American industry as other countries transition away from fossil fuels.
Ben Cahill, an energy scholar at the University of Texas at Austin, commented on the situation: "Trump’s election creates 'a very long pathway for fossil fuels.' Investors will feel the outlook is brighter. The industry will be under less pressure."
Although energy was not a central issue during a presidential campaign focused on immigration, abortion, and democracy's future, it remains an area where presidents can enact significant changes.
Throughout his campaign, Trump dismissed climate change as a "hoax" and engaged with oil company executives. His outlined plans could increase oil and gas profits while raising greenhouse gas emissions that threaten global climate goals.
One of Trump's expected actions is targeting the Paris climate accord by withdrawing the United States from it once again. This comes at a critical time for the agreement aimed at limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Climate scientists have warned that this target is likely to be exceeded soon; on Wednesday, the European climate agency Copernicus announced that 2024 would likely be the first year where global temperature rise averages 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Trump also intends to support U.S. oil and gas companies by easing restrictions on methane emissions and potentially canceling pauses on permits for new liquefied natural gas export projects initiated by the Biden administration. This could lead to increased infrastructure development worth billions of dollars, boosting U.S. emissions while maintaining gas exports globally for decades.
The oil industry has welcomed these policy shifts enthusiastically. Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, stated: "Energy was on the ballot, and voters sent a clear signal that they want choices, not mandates, and an all-of-the-above approach that harnesses our nation’s resources and builds on the successes of his first term."
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