As COP29 concludes, climate advocates are cautiously optimistic about global progress, despite the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. During his previous term, Trump’s administration rolled back numerous environmental regulations, withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, and promoted policies that prioritized fossil fuel development. These actions created significant setbacks for global climate efforts, as the U.S. is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases and its leadership was seen as crucial for international climate diplomacy. Trump’s policies undermined global momentum, especially as he minimized the urgency of climate science and environmental protection, leaving the world uncertain about America’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
In contrast, COP29 has seen growing support for bold climate action from other global powers, including the European Union, India, and small island nations, which are pushing for stronger emission reduction targets and increased climate finance. However, experts argue that Trump’s return could create a policy gap, undermining both U.S. involvement in international agreements and its influence over global climate solutions. The dilemma is whether progress can continue in a world where U.S. leadership remains unpredictable. While global cooperation remains crucial, many fear that the rollback of climate progress in the U.S. could stymie the broader fight against climate change, leaving countries caught between ambition and political volatility. More