Trump’s Second Administration’s Climate Policy
Awa Bobb | April 14 2025
Summary
Trump’s second administration reversed many of Biden’s climate initiatives and there is potentially more to be undone.
The United States (US) under President Donald Trump’s second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and reductions in international climate finance will likely undermine global cooperation and stall efforts to cut carbon emissions,
Developing nations, in particular, will likely face heightened climate vulnerability, as funding cuts and shifting US policies limit their capacity to adapt to worsening climate impacts.
During his first term as US President, Trump consistently adopted an oppositional stance on climate change, implementing several significant policy rollbacks. His administration formally withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing that the accord imposed unfair economic burdens on American industries. Trump also disbanded the Interagency Working Group tasked with calculating the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions, a critical tool used to evaluate the long-term economic impact of climate-related decisions. By doing so, he effectively weakened the federal government’s ability to assess and regulate climate-related economic risks. Additionally, his administration relaxed restrictions on carbon emissions and dismantled key environmental regulations aimed at curbing industrial pollution, marking a significant retreat from federal climate policy.
Recently, Trump has already begun reaffirming this reversal by withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement. He has openly advocated for increased domestic oil production, reinforcing his previous stance against aggressive climate-change policies and demonstrating a continued prioritization of economic and industrial interests over environmental concerns.
During his previous presidency, mentions of "climate change" on federal agency websites declined by nearly 40%, reflecting efforts to downplay public awareness of the climate crisis. Although former President Biden later reinstated climate-related policies and language over his term, Trump’s recent actions threaten to reverse this progress. This is indicated by the cut of support for climate-related scientific research and the removal of climate information from government websites. This stance has influenced major corporations like Walmart, which have withdrawn or altered their climate change statements, demonstrating how business practices, often significant contributors to emissions, may shift in response to governmental attitudes.
Previously, Trump rolled back many environmental rules, including weakening emissions standards for coal plants. A second term has followed a similar path. Early in his new presidency, he signed an executive order that disbanded the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Carbon and removed federal estimates for the costs of carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions.
During his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing it placed American businesses at an economic disadvantage. His administration viewed emissions regulations as detrimental to the development of the energy sector. Upon re-election, Trump once again initiated the withdrawal as part of a broader effort to boost domestic oil and gas production. This decision undermines international climate cooperation and may weaken global negotiations and commitments, as many nations rely on US leadership for environmental policy direction. The declining presence of US officials at international climate forums has already signalled diminishing American involvement.
The United States contributes approximately 20% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making its climate policies vital to global climate mitigation. A reduced commitment from the US not only undermines collective progress but also weakens international cooperation, as other nations may be less inclined to act ambitiously without strong leadership from major emitters. This disproportionately impacts developing countries, which are often the most vulnerable to climate change, facing heightened risks of environmental degradation, food insecurity, and extreme weather events. Without significant US participation, it becomes increasingly impossible to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, threatening the stability and resilience of ecosystems and communities worldwide.
Funding for climate initiatives is at risk, as Trump is likely to cut significantly in contributions to climate-focused NGOs and intergovernmental organisations (IGOs). This would weaken international climate support systems and disproportionately impact developing nations, which often rely on US financial aid for sustainable infrastructure and climate adaptation programs. The shortages in funding are highly likely to severely hinder their economies and increase environmental vulnerabilities. For example, intensified typhoon, hurricane, and cyclone seasons, as well as disasters like the California wildfires, have already caused billions in damages, displaced thousands, and destroyed critical infrastructure. Without adequate support, such events will become even more devastating, potentially increasing the number of climate migrants worldwide.
Matt Palmer/Unsplash
Forecast
Short-term (Now - 3 months)
Rapid rollback of Biden-era climate initiatives is highly likely, including reversing US commitments to international climate agreements.
Systematic removal of climate-related language from federal agency communications and websites is likely.
Medium-term (3-12 months)
There will likely be major reductions in federal funding for climate research, renewable energy projects, and environmental protection programs.
It is highly likely there will be a sharp decline in U.S. contributions to global climate finance, significantly impairing climate resilience efforts, particularly in developing countries.
Long-term (>1 year)
A highly likely substantial increase in carbon emissions and expansion of fossil fuel production driven by deregulation.
There is a realistic possibility of widening the gap between U.S. domestic climate policy and international commitments, severely impacting global efforts to mitigate climate change.
The Weakening of international cooperation is likely as key nations reconsider their climate commitments due to declining U.S. leadership.
There will be a highly likely growing difficulty in reaching global net-zero emissions targets, delaying international climate action and exacerbating environmental crises.
