In a move that starkly contrasted with the current US administration's stance, former President Donald Trump used his address at the United Nations General Assembly to deliver a sweeping dismissal of the global climate crisis.
Speaking to the international body, Trump categorically stated that fighting climate change was "not a priority" for him, positioning environmental concerns as a direct threat to American economic prosperity. He framed stringent climate policies as job-killing regulations that would cripple industry and hand an advantage to international competitors like China.
A Return to Fossil Fuels
Central to his argument was a vigorous defence of fossil fuels. Trump championed the US oil and gas industries, crediting them with achieving "energy independence" and asserting that this path was superior to investing in renewable energy sources. This perspective directly challenges the scientific consensus and the goals of the Paris Agreement, from which Trump famously withdrew the United States during his presidency.
Contrasting with Biden's Green Agenda
The speech served as a dramatic reminder of the deep political divide on environmental issues in the United States. President Joe Biden, who was not present at the event, has made tackling climate change a cornerstone of his domestic and foreign policy, rejoining the Paris accord and passing significant climate-focused legislation.
Trump's comments are likely intended to galvanise his political base ahead of the upcoming election cycle, signalling a clear ideological battle over the nation's future energy and environmental direction.
International Reaction and Criticism
The former president's remarks were met with concern and disappointment by climate activists and diplomats from nations on the front lines of climate change. Many view the US position as critical to global efforts, and a potential return to a Trump administration could jeopardise international climate targets.
Environmental groups were quick to condemn the speech, labelling it as dangerously shortsighted and ignoring overwhelming evidence of the existential threat posed by global warming.
