Trump plans major rollback of climate policies if re-elected

Donald Trump plans to dismantle key climate policies and boost fossil fuel production if re-elected, alarming scientists and environmentalists.

Marcus Baram reports for Capital & Main.


In short:

  • Trump’s Project 2025 plan aims to reverse Biden's climate initiatives, increasing oil and gas production while reducing renewable energy support.
  • The plan could significantly increase U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, hindering global climate goals and exacerbating extreme weather events.
  • Critics warn this shift could jeopardize U.S. leadership in global climate efforts and lead to severe environmental and public health impacts.

Key quote:

“What [Project 2025] would do is slow down and delay that transition, undercut the ability to bring down emissions, which is very harmful for the climate and causes a lot of pollution in communities near these facilities.”

— Rachel Cleetus, policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists

Why this matters:

A second Trump presidency could severely impact efforts to combat climate change, both in the U.S. and globally. Increased emissions and weakened environmental regulations would likely result in more pollution and extreme weather, endangering public health and safety.

A cruise ship in the middle of the ocean with the sun setting to the left

Air pollution from ships may be more harmful than road traffic emissions, port study finds

Scientists say ultrafine particles in cruise ship emissions associated with reduced ability to resist common viruses.

The skyline of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the morning with trees in the foreground

Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak town as haze reaches critical level

Malaysia has declared an emergency in a town in Sarawak state due to severe air pollution linked to fires in Indonesia.

Salt flats in front of a lake with mountains in the distance

The Great Salt Lake — Utah's silent health emergency

The drying of the Great Salt Lake is now releasing toxic dust into the air that Utahns breathe every single day.

A woman with a hard hat and clip board standing in front of an oil refinery in the distance

UK gasfield set to be approved by this month

Energy secretary could recommend new North Sea drilling next week, as ministers also consider approval for Rosebank oilfield
A closeup of a mosquito on a person's skin

Invasive tropical mosquito found breeding in east London

The climate crisis could increase incursions of Aedes aegypti, which can transmit Zika virus and dengue, experts say.

A satellite view of the earth showing a swirling hurricane off the Gulf Coast

Who decides what climate change caused?

The rush to blame climate change for every disaster may be making it harder to explain what is actually happening.
Two women floating in a pool

The summer we love is slipping away

From the Southwest to the Jersey shore, climate change is altering the traditions and norms that have defined summer for generations.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.