Why Donald Trump’s presidency is not a climate doom

As COP29 kicks off in Azerbaijan, concerns rise over Donald Trump’s potential return to the US presidency and its impact on global climate efforts. 

Trump has announced plans to pull the US from the Paris Agreement and increase fossil fuel production, actions that could undermine progress.

So does four more years of Trump mean we’re basically doomed?

However, Dr Wesley Morgan from UNSW remains optimistic about climate action even under a Trump administration. He shares his insights on Wednesday morning’s episode of The Briefing. 

Dr Morgan says that countries like China and the EU are leading in green technology, with Australia well-placed to supply critical minerals. 

Despite Trump’s rhetoric, Dr Morgan highlights the strong global push toward a net-zero future. 

“This year, global investment in clean energy technologies will be roughly double that in fossil fuels, and this is where the world is heading—there’s nothing Trump can do about it,” he said. 

Dr Morgan points out that if the US exits the climate conversation, countries like China could shape the global order in ways that tackle the climate crisis. 

“Without the US in the room, it’s a chance for Beijing to say, we are able to shape the global order in ways that help to tackle the climate crisis,” he added.

He also emphasized Australia’s crucial role in advancing climate efforts. 

“We have every reason to be doubling down on global cooperation to tackle climate change and it’s responsible middle powers like Australia that if the US is going to abandon the field. We need to be the one stepping up to the plate.”

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