GOP convention ignores climate change as heat crisis worsens

Despite record-breaking heat and public concern over climate change, the Republican National Convention focuses on expanding fossil fuel use, dismissing climate science.

Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.


In short:

  • The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee highlights energy policies favoring oil, gas, and coal.
  • Former President Trump and party leaders dismiss climate change as a priority, mocking scientific evidence.
  • A significant portion of Americans support renewable energy, but the GOP platform promotes fossil fuel development.

Key quote:

“Global warming is fine. In fact, I heard it was going to be very warm today. It’s fine.”

— Former President Donald J. Trump

Why this matters:

Ignoring climate change can worsen environmental and public health crises. The push for fossil fuels contradicts global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, potentially leading to severe long-term consequences.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sign at the headquarters building in Washington, DC.
Credit: marcnorman/ BigStock Photo ID: 21123533

Trump EPA lays off more environmental justice staff

The move to cut more workers will further cement the administration’s deregulatory agenda for a smaller agency.
Power plant with smoke and dirty orange air.
Credit: Mikhail Dudarev/BigStock Photo ID: 14021453

Study: 2025 emissions rise due to Trump-era policies

Emissions of sulfur dioxide increased by 18 percent in 2025, according to an analysis of the EPA data by the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group.

Refinery and petrochemical industrial plant
Credit: Tee Theerapol/BigStock Photo ID: 60783539

An oil refinery defined life in this quaint California city. What happens when it’s gone?

For decades, the Valero refinery shaped Benicia’s economy, politics and health. Now the city has become a reluctant test case of whether an oil town can reinvent itself
A power plant on a sunny day with a field in the foreground

Will feds step in if Saskatchewan breaks law on phasing out coal?

The Canadian government requires provinces to shutter coal-fired power plants by 2030, but the Prairie province is refurbishing its fossil fuel fleet.

A row of wind turbines alongside a field

The real economic impact of clean energy

US energy chief Chris Wright claims that renewable energy is dragging down Europe's economy. Is that true?
A closeup of pieces of wheat bread

Breadcrumbs (literally) lay path away from fossil fuels

Researchers have developed a carbon-negative method for hydrogenation that uses bacteria fed on waste bread to generate hydrogen for chemical reactions.

The U.S. capitol building

Trump's climate silence at the longest-ever State of the Union

The president’s far-reaching speech ignored climate change but not its impacts.
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.