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Trump’s Day-One Moves Signal Setback for Climate Progress

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Executive orders prioritize fossil fuels over green energy and walk back environmental protections.

President Trump wasted no time reshaping the United States’ environmental policy, signing a flurry of executive orders on his first day back in office. These directives signal a dramatic pivot from the Biden administration’s climate-conscious stance, setting the stage for renewed fossil fuel extraction, reduced support for renewable energy, and a retreat from international climate leadership.

Exiting the Paris Agreement

Trump’s return includes a swift withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the global accord aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. This move undermines commitments made under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, including updates to national climate plans every five years. While it will take at least a year to finalize the withdrawal, the decision is widely criticized.

The order also halts the US International Climate Finance Plan, which provided over $11 billion annually to help vulnerable nations mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.

 

Fossil Fuel Focus

Three new orders prioritize fossil fuel extraction, fulfilling Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” campaign promise. These include dismantling Biden-era regulations that limited oil and gas exploration and revoking the suspension of leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

One directive specifically targets Alaska, encouraging expedited approvals for resource extraction projects like the controversial Willow Project. Another declares a national energy emergency, claiming the US must ramp up domestic energy production to meet its needs.

The “Unleashing American Energy” order covers everything from expanding fossil fuel use on federal lands to repealing state-level emissions waivers. It also rescinds subsidies for electric vehicles, aiming to “protect consumer freedom” in choices like appliances and stoves.

Environmental experts warn these policies will erode US leadership in the growing clean energy market, giving rivals like China an edge.

Wind Energy

In a stark reversal of green energy support, Trump suspended offshore wind farm leases, citing concerns about energy reliability and ocean impacts. This memorandum halts progress on offshore wind projects crucial to transitioning away from fossil fuels.

A Step Backward

By rolling back Biden-era climate initiatives, Trump’s executive orders prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability. The US risks falling behind in global efforts to combat climate change, leaving both economic and environmental repercussions in their wake.

Critics argue that these actions are not just a reversal of progress but a dangerous gamble with the future of the planet.

 

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