President Trump has marked the start of his presidency with a series of new executive orders, many of which have adverse effects on the climate.
His policies come on the heels of data that show 2024 was the hottest year on record. In addition, January 2025 was officially the hottest January ever recorded with temperatures 1.75°C (3.15°F) above normal!
The federal government has reversed more than 100 environmental regulations previously put in place. The new administration is also shifting focus from the regulation of rising temperatures to oil and gas expansion. Let's find out more.
Withdrawal from the Paris Treaty
For starters, President Trump issued an executive order calling for the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. The Agreement was originally established in 2016 to work towards maintaining the rise in global temperature to 2° C.
During Trump’s previous term, the US withdrew from the agreement in 2020, only to rejoin in early 2021 at the start of Biden’s term. Trump previously stated that he believed the agreement imposed unfair financial burdens on the nation.
The absence of the US in 2020 led to major countries including China, India, and some from the European Union taking charge of the initiative. Particularly, China took the lead, by putting in work to meet its target for renewable energy six years ahead of its plan, despite being the leading source of carbon pollution.
This time the expected withdrawal has again strained global climate efforts. Most importantly, the lack of US funding has taken away resources from many developing countries that are still adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Energy Emergency
To make matters worse, a national energy emergency has been declared, despite the US currently being the largest producer of oil in history and experts stating otherwise. This declaration will boost drilling and speed up fossil-fuel-based energy projects.
Another part of the order also allows areas in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve to open up for drilling, raising concerns about endangered species, although Trump has expressed concern about the preservation of biodiversity.
Deletion of Data
Additionally, many government websites have been modified or removed. Access to databases containing crucial climate change and health-related information has been restricted, with communities and universities desperately trying to preserve data.
Agencies like the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Agriculture have also removed some of the information on climate change from their websites. Furthermore, Trump has ordered the termination of all programs concerning the American Climate Corps’, a program established under the Biden administration to connect young people to local climate opportunities. Their website has completely vanished, although most of its independent programs and members will remain unaffected.
These orders are yet to pass through Congress, but in the likelihood that they will, climate activists and environmental advocates are raising concerns for the future of the country. In this crucial period, it is especially important for people to educate themselves on environmental needs and actions, and use their voice when needed.
Sources: PBS, Time, Inside Climate News, LA Times
