Reversing climate policies under Trump could lead to severe environmental damage

A new study finds that if Donald Trump implements the rightwing Project 2025 climate policies, the U.S. will see a massive increase in carbon emissions, job losses and economic setbacks.

Oliver Milman reports for The Guardian.


In short:

  • Project 2025 would add 2.7 billion tons of carbon emissions by 2030, harming U.S. climate goals.
  • The plan could eliminate 1.7 million clean energy jobs and cut $320 billion from the GDP.
  • Environmental protections, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, could be dismantled.

Key quote:

"These future policy pathways result in stark differences for our health, our pocketbooks, the economy and climate."

— Anand Gopal, executive director of policy research at the nonpartisan thinktank Energy Innovation

Why this matters:

Rolling back climate protections will drastically increase emissions and economic instability. With climate change already impacting daily life, policies that reverse progress could exacerbate global environmental challenges.

Related:

Many solar panels arranged in a circular pattern viewed from above

Solar power in Morocco's desert: Bold vision, mixed results

A massive solar tower in the Moroccan desert is the beacon of an ambitious push for a clean energy future. But fossil fuels and grid constraints stand in the way.
Two farmers crouching in a field reviewing the soil

Farmers struggle to rebuild soil after Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods

After Hurricane Helene washed away or buried vital topsoil across the Southeast, farmers are facing years-long efforts to restore the foundation of their livelihoods.

A row of solar panels in the snow with the setting sun in the background

‘A ray of hope’: EU governments gathering to plan way out of fossil fuel reliance

Energy crises could be a thing of the past if reliable, cheap and abundant clean energy is given precedence over fossil fuels.
A farmer walking through his fields on a sunny day

Farmers sue US EPA over dismantling of climate policy

New York farmers say the Environmental Protection Agency’s rollback of greenhouse gas regulations will make it harder for them to grow food.

An ethanol plant with green fields in the foreground

Iowa moves to shield farmers, ethanol plants, from lawsuits over emissions

Climate lawsuits are a largely nonexistent threat to farmers in the state of Iowa, but ethanol producers could benefit from the law.

A woman holding a protest sign saying 'There is no planet B'

Is it time for planetary health to become a core clinical responsibility?

As climate change and environmental degradation increasingly drive illness, clinicians are being urged to treat planetary health as inseparable from patient care.

A person holding a pile of organic soil in his hands

Deep soils could hold keys to climate resilience

A new research center is investigating how ancient soils could help farmers adapt to climate change and a warmer future.
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.