Trump’s potential return weighs on global climate discussions

World leaders and executives are meeting in New York to push clean energy efforts, but uncertainty looms over U.S. climate leadership as Trump eyes a return to the White House.

Zack Colman and Sara Schonhardt report for POLITICO.

In short:

• Climate Week in New York coincides with the U.N. General Assembly, setting the stage for key climate discussions ahead of November's U.S. election and COP29.
• Trump's potential reelection threatens U.S. climate commitments, with possible cuts to the Inflation Reduction Act and a withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
• Despite the political uncertainty, corporate leaders and activists remain focused on advancing climate efforts.

Key quote:

“We are hoping for political signals that will give us hope on the road to the COP.”

— Fernanda Carvalho, head of policy of the climate and energy practice at WWF International

Why this matters:

U.S. climate policy shapes global efforts to combat rising temperatures. The upcoming election will determine whether America strengthens or weakens its climate commitments, with global repercussions for clean energy and climate aid.