The American Presidential Election: A Decisive Choice for Climate

The opposing positions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on climate policy make the American election a crucial moment for the world’s environmental future.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The American presidential election promises to be pivotal for global climate policy. Candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump hold diametrically opposed views on energy and environmental policies, turning the election into a critical choice between climate commitment and support for fossil fuels. In a context where the United States, the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter after China, plays a vital role in climate negotiations, the implications of this election extend far beyond American borders.

Donald Trump’s stance on climate remains consistent with his previous term: he has labeled climate change a “hoax” and pledged to revive large-scale oil drilling if re-elected. A Trump victory could thus increase American greenhouse gas emissions and slow the global momentum toward an energy transition. His election could weaken the U.S. influence at the upcoming COP29, scheduled for six days after the vote, potentially jeopardizing efforts to ramp up financial support for vulnerable countries facing climate impacts.

A Step Backward on Climate Commitments

During his presidency, Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, a decision reversed by his successor Joe Biden. This agreement commits the United States to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. To date, the country has reduced its emissions by 18%, but experts highlight that sustained efforts are needed to reach the target. According to political scientist Leah Stokes, a second Trump term would mean a “complete reversal,” with worldwide consequences.

Trump has also promised to lift Biden’s moratorium on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals and to dismantle regulations aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. Although some car emission regulations do not mandate electric vehicle purchases, they aim to curb CO2 emissions. Trump plans to repeal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on emissions from coal-fired power plants, though experts predict that such actions would likely lead to legal challenges.

What a Harris Presidency Would Mean for Climate

Kamala Harris, on the other hand, is committed to maintaining U.S. leadership on the global climate stage. As a senator, she supported the “Green New Deal,” a proposal for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, which Trump dubbed the “Green New Scam.” During her campaign, Harris took controversial positions, including supporting a ban on hydraulic fracturing, a polluting method of extracting oil and gas. However, to avoid alienating voters in key states like Pennsylvania, she has since softened her stance, advocating for diversified energy sources.

U.S. environmental associations overwhelmingly support Harris, citing her record on climate. She was instrumental in passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a law calling for massive investments in the energy transition, which Trump criticized and intends to cut any unspent funds. Nevertheless, many Republican lawmakers, including some of Trump’s allies, recognize the economic benefits of the tax credits included in the IRA.

An Uncertain Climate Future for the United States

The climate future of the United States appears uncertain in light of these opposing visions. According to an analysis by Carbon Brief, a Trump victory would result in an additional 4 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2030, equivalent to the combined annual emissions of Europe and Japan. Although some states and private companies maintained their climate commitments during the Trump administration, rolling back federal regulations could undermine national efforts to reduce emissions.

The results of the American election will weigh heavily on global climate strategies. Whether to stay the course toward a green economy or return to fossil fuels, American political decisions will profoundly influence emissions reduction efforts and the dynamic of international climate negotiations.

The 2025 edition of the Renewable Electricity System Observatory warns of the widening gap between French energy ambitions and industrial reality, requiring immediate acceleration of investments in solar, wind and associated infrastructure.
Kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited reported a ₦1.3bn ($882,011) loss due to power fraud, threatening its operational viability in Kogi State.
More than 40 developers will gather in Livingstone from 26 to 28 November to turn Southern Africa’s energy commitments into bankable and interconnected projects.
Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.
The United States has threatened economic sanctions against International Maritime Organization members who approve a global carbon tax on international shipping emissions.
Global progress on electricity access slowed in 2024, with only 11 million new connections, despite targeted efforts in parts of Africa and Asia.
A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.