If you want to save the Earth from catastrophe, you might be feeling a little down
Undeniably, his return to the White House is a real setback for climate action.
which has pledged to increase fossil fuel production and withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement, among other worrying promises.
But even outside Trump and his circle, there is still deep concern about climate change, especially among young people.
Support for climate policy remains strong in the US and around the world. And studies based on data from 60,000 people in more than 60 countries suggest that individuals' concerns about climate change are widely underestimated.
So it's a good time to remember that the effort to tackle the climate crisis – both in Australia and globally – is much bigger than one man. Here are ten reasons to remain hopeful.
1. The global transition to clean energy cannot be stopped
The global shift to clean energy is accelerating, and Trump cannot stop it. Investments in clean energy have overtaken fossil fuels and will almost double investments in coal, oil and gas by 2024.
This is a historic megatrend that will continue with or without American leadership.
2. The momentum for clean energy is likely to continue in the US
Much of the Biden-era spending on clean energy industries went to Republican states and congressional districts. New battery and electric vehicle factories are still set to move forward under the Trump administration.
Entrepreneur Elon Musk – – makes electric vehicles.
Some Trump backers receive subsidies for clean energy production, and 18 members of the Republican Congress have spoken out against cuts to clean energy tax credits.
3. The US still wants to beat China
There is concern in Washington that the US is losing a technological lead to Beijing. China currently dominates global production of electric vehicles, batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. Internal pressure in the US to counter Chinese production will therefore continue.
4. The federal government isn't everything in the US
When Trump was last in power, he withdrew the US from a number of climate obligations, such as the Paris Agreement. But many state and local governments have pressed ahead with climate policy, and will do so this time around.
For example, California – the world's fifth-largest economy – plans to eliminate its greenhouse gas footprint by 2045.
Even Texas, a Republican heartland, is leading a shift toward wind and solar energy.
5. America's climate movement will be more energetic than ever
During Trump's first presidency, the American climate movement developed policy proposals for a 'Green New Deal'. Many of these proposals were later implemented by the Biden administration. Early reactions to Trump's re-election suggest we can expect a similar policy push this time around.
6. Global climate cooperation is greater than Trump's
If Trump makes good on his promise to leave the Paris Agreement (again), he will only be leaving the space where the future of the world is being shaped.
The US has reneged on global climate agreements before – for example refusing to join the Kyoto Protocol in 2001. But other countries have united for global action, and will do so again.
7. The rules-based global order will endure
When a nation abandons rules agreed upon after decades of negotiation, responsible countries must work together to strengthen global cooperation.
This applies to trade and security – and climate is no different.
As Foreign Minister Penny Wong recently explained, Australia, as a middle power on the world stage, wants “a world where disputes are resolved through engagement, negotiation and by reference to rules.” [and] standards […] We do not want a world where disputes are resolved by power alone.”
8. Australian diplomacy is important
Australia wants to co-host the United Nations climate talks with Pacific island states in 2026 and has emerged as the favourite.
Hosting the conference, known as COP31, would be an opportunity for Australia to help forge a new era of international climate action, even if the US pulls out under Trump.
Hosting the talks would also help strengthen Australia's position in the Pacific and help our Pacific neighbors tackle the climate threat.
9. Australia's clean energy shift is accelerating
About 40 percent of Australia's main national grid is powered by renewable energy sources and this is expected to rise to 80 percent by 2030. Some states are making significant progress; For example, South Australia is aiming for 100 percent renewable energy sources by 2027.
Australians also love clean energy at home. One in three households has installed solar panels on their roof, making us the world leader in the use of this technology. Trump's occupation of the Oval Office cannot stop this momentum.
10. Trump cannot change the science of climate change
The science is clear: burning coal, oil and gas fuels climate change and increases the risk of disasters that are currently harming communities.
In Australia, we need look no further than the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020 and the unprecedented Lismore floods of 2022.
And the damage is happening all over the world. In October, two hurricanes in the US – made stronger by the warming ocean – left damage bills of more than $100 billion. And hundreds of people died
On bleak days—like the election of a climate denier to the White House, for example—it may seem that humanity will not be able to meet Earth's greatest existential challenge. But there are many reasons for hope.
The vast majority of us support policies to address climate change, and in many cases the momentum is virtually unstoppable.
Wesley Morgan is a Research Associate at the Institute for Climate Risk and Response at UNSW. Ben Newell is professor of cognitive psychology and director of the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk and Response.
DEKYAS NEWS World Breaking News and Trusted Source
