Don’t Let Climate Change Fade Away Under President-Elect Trump
I cannot ignore how climate change has been sidelined in our national discourse, particularly during this recent election cycle. Amidst debates over the economy, immigration, and other pressing topics, climate change — arguably one of the most existential threats facing humanity — failed to emerge as a top-tier issue. Now, with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, it is critical that we keep this issue front and center.
President-Elect Trump’s track record on climate policy during his first term speaks volumes about his approach to this challenge — and it is not encouraging. His administration withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, an unprecedented step that signaled a retreat from global climate leadership. Just as troubling, Trump ordered the removal of climate change information from federal agency websites, stifling access to critical research and fostering a culture of misinformation. How can we expect to address a crisis we refuse to even acknowledge?
Perhaps even more frustrating was Trump’s tariffs on solar panels. These moves undercut a thriving industry that could simultaneously reduce emissions and create jobs. Renewable energy expansion is one of the best ways to combat climate change while fostering economic growth. By making it harder for companies to innovate and compete, the administration’s policies stifle progress and harm American businesses that are leading the way in clean energy technologies.
During Trump’s first presidency, he also disbanded the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment, which provided vital support to communities grappling with climate risks. This decision was a blow to local governments and organizations working to address the growing impacts of climate change. From rising sea levels threatening coastal cities to droughts devastating farms in California’s Central Valley, communities across the country need resources and guidance to adapt to these challenges.
I’ve seen these impacts up close. I recall the time I stepped outside to it snowing ashes and an orange sky. In Los Angeles, worsening air quality from record-breaking wildfires has made it harder for vulnerable residents, including children and the elderly, to breathe. Nationwide, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more devastating. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States experienced 23 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2023 alone, costing the nation a staggering $165 billion. These events take a toll not only on our environment but also on the economy, driving up costs for disaster recovery and insurance premiums while displacing families.
Yet, there is hope. A well-managed approach to climate action could address many of these challenges. By fostering privatization in renewable energy and incentivizing technological innovation, the United States can reduce government spending while empowering the private sector to lead the way in combating climate change. This is not about choosing between economic growth and environmental protection — it’s about recognizing that the two can go hand in hand.
As someone who hopes to help bring awareness to the issue I know that climate change is an issue I will never overlook. It is not just a challenge for the next four years but a defining issue for my generation and those to come. President-Elect Trump’s administration deserves credit where it is due, but on climate change, his policies warrant serious criticism. This is an area where he must do better.
We cannot afford to let this issue fade into the background. I urge my fellow citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to demand more from our leaders. Climate change is not just an environmental problem — it’s an economic, social, and moral one. And as history will judge the actions we take today, let us ensure that we are on the right side of this fight.
