Former UN climate chief warns of global impact of a possible regression in US green policies

Victory forĀ Donald TrumpĀ in the US presidential election this year could put the worldā€™s climate goals at risk, a former UN climate chief has said.

The chances of limiting global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels areĀ already slim, and Trumpā€™s antipathy to climate action would have a major impact on the US, which is the worldā€™s second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and biggest oil and gas exporter, said Patricia Espinosa, who served as theĀ UNā€™s top official on the climateĀ from 2016 to 2022.

ā€œI worry [about the potential election of Trump] because it would have very strong consequences, if we see a regression regarding climate policies in the US,ā€ Espinosa said.

Although Trumpā€™s policy plans are not lear,Ā conversations with his circleĀ have created a worrying picture that could include the cancellation of Joe Bidenā€™s groundbreaking climate legislation, withdrawal from the Paris agreement and a push for more drilling for oil and gas.

  • bumphot@lemy.lol
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    8 months ago

    Yes, US needs to vote for a Green Party. Joe Biden approved oil drilling project last year despite the usual lies that he cares for the environment. Until there is a real change in politics, there will be no real effort in climate change.