Can clean energy progress be 'Trumped'?

The Republicans’ 2024 platform included cancelling Biden’s electric vehicle mandate and unleashing ‘American Energy’ from all sources in the world. The campaign included commitments to increase energy production across the board and end restrictions on oil, natural gas and coal in order to make the country ‘Energy Dominant’ and as a result potentially lower energy prices for US citizens.

While this pitch ultimately helped Donald Trump secure the election to become the 47th President of the United States, it is only conjecture at this stage because many of the plans he announced before becoming the 45th President never eventuated.

Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: “During his first presidency, Trump tried to withdraw the US from climate diplomacy, but state and local governments powered ahead. Countries and US states know the Trump playbook — and they’re determined to keep driving climate action forward.”

Trump can act like a cheerleader for the coal, oil and gas industry but he can’t change the way the wind is blowing on clean energy, the Climate Council said.

“Donald Trump’s climate denialism is completely out of step with the global push for climate action, putting communities and entire ecosystems at serious risk,” said Climate Council Fellow Dr Wesley Morgan.

“If Trump abandons international climate agreements, he will take the US out of the room where the world’s future is shaped.

“The global shift to clean energy is accelerating, and Trump can’t stop it. This is a megatrend, and the world will keep moving forward on climate, with or without American leadership.”

McKenzie added: “This isn’t about any single election or individual: collectively, we can secure a safer, cleaner world. In Australia, households are embracing rooftop solar and batteries and communities are building their own renewable energy projects. Nationally, we’re expanding renewable energy and cutting climate pollution further and faster.

“Trump’s re-election doesn’t alter the science or what we need to do. It shouldn’t overshadow the vast majority of people, all over the world, who want to see decision-makers do more to cut climate pollution — and who are getting on with changes they can make in their everyday lives. Our kids’ future depends on all of us doing as much as we can.

“Australia’s climate progress doesn’t hinge on the outcome of US elections. The renewable energy shift is unstoppable and so is Australia’s role in it. Now’s the time to power forward.”

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