Jakarta—Early Wednesday, November 6, as most votes had been cast in the United States, most major news networks called for Donald Trump to be president. The news prompted reactions from the global climate action community. The reappointment of Trump has reignited debates over the U.S.’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its leadership role in combating the climate crisis.
While leaders acknowledge the challenges posed by this development, they remain steadfast in their resolve to advance climate goals. In a statement to the media, some warned that the shift to clean energy has set forth, and the global climate movement is steadfast. They said the climate crisis transcends borders, and the fight for a sustainable future will persist, with or without U.S. federal leadership.
Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and a key architect of the Paris Agreement, emphasised the resilience of the global climate pact. “The US election result is a setback for global climate action, but the Paris Agreement has proven resilient and is stronger than any country’s policies,” Tubiana stated. She highlighted the economic momentum behind the transition to clean energy, warning that the U.S. risks losing its leadership role. “The devastating toll of recent hurricanes was a grim reminder that all Americans are affected by worsening climate change,” she added, urging subnational actors like cities and states to continue their ambitious climate efforts.
Germany’s State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, Jennifer Morgan, reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to climate neutrality. “For Germany and the EU, the transition to climate neutrality is a cornerstone of our future competitiveness,” she said, stressing the importance of international collaboration to uphold the Paris Agreement. Morgan expressed hope for continued cooperation with U.S. actors across various sectors despite the federal government’s shift in direction.
Former UNFCCC Executive Director Christiana Figueres struck an optimistic tone, underscoring the unstoppable momentum of clean energy. “Standing with oil and gas is the same as falling behind in a fast-moving world,” she warned, noting that clean energy technologies are rapidly outpacing fossil fuels. From the Earthshot Prize event in South Africa, Figueres highlighted the importance of local climate action, which she described as “the antidote to doom and despair.”
Small island states, represented by Ambassador Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru, also voiced their determination. “Our islands are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, but we will continue to raise ambition across the board,” he said, stressing the urgency of multilateralism.
From Brazil, former Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira dismissed climate denialism as untenable in the face of the climate emergency. “Despite Trump’s victory, American society will undoubtedly be co-responsible for the solutions to the climate crisis,” Teixeira asserted.
Raila Odinga, former Kenyan Prime Minister, called for U.S. leadership at the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku. “The U.S. must lead from the front and support the delivery of ambitious climate finance to meet developing countries’ adaptation and mitigation needs,” Odinga said. He stressed that the decisions made by the U.S. would significantly impact Africa, a region disproportionately affected by climate change.
Former White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy declared, “The shift to clean energy is unstoppable, and our country is not turning back.” McCarthy highlighted the broad coalition of cities, states, and businesses under Bloomberg’s ‘America Is All In’ initiative, which, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute, represents 65% of the U.S. population and 68% of GDP. She warned that any attempts to roll back the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has created over 330,000 clean energy jobs, would face bipartisan solid resistance. (nsh)
Banner photo: Screenshot/CSPAN
