President Trump's initial days in office were marked by a series of executive orders that have significant implications for Earth's climate and environment. While former President Joe Biden prioritized climate change during his tenure, Trump is swiftly undoing many of those policies, raising concerns among experts as the planet faces escalating temperatures and extreme weather events.
One of Trump's key actions was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, a global pact aimed at combating climate change. This move means the U.S. will not be working towards emissions reduction goals or fulfilling financial commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Additionally, Trump declared a 'national energy emergency' and emphasized expanding oil and gas production. He signed orders to expedite energy permitting processes and criticized environmental protections such as the Endangered Species Act, potentially endangering vulnerable species.
Furthermore, Trump revoked Biden's goals on electric vehicles, including a non-binding target for EVs to constitute half of new car sales by 2030. This decision could impact automakers who are navigating the shift towards electric vehicles globally.
Another significant move was the elimination of considerations for environmental justice in pollution reviews, which could disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This rollback has been criticized for hindering progress in addressing environmental discrimination.
Overall, Trump's actions in his first week in office have raised concerns among environmentalists, scientists, and advocates who fear the potential consequences on air quality, public health, energy costs, and climate resilience.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the decisions made by the U.S. government under Trump's leadership are being closely watched for their impact on the environment and future generations.
