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As Donald Trump sets his sights on a potential second term, climate change experts are bracing for a rollback of critical environmental policies. During his first presidency, Trump prioritized fossil fuel production, withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords, and downplayed the dangers of climate change. With his re-election campaign promising a renewed focus on economic growth over environmental protection, many are concerned about the long-term impacts on the planet.

Trump’s past tenure saw numerous steps taken to dismantle climate regulations, including rolling back protections for air and water quality, dismantling climate science programs, and promoting increased oil and gas drilling. This time around, experts fear these trends will continue, potentially deepening the global climate crisis.

“We need our states, cities, businesses, and civil society to step up as they did in 2017,” said Gina McCarthy, former EPA Administrator under President Obama, now co-chair of America is All In, a national climate coalition. “We cannot let anyone stand in the way of leaving a safer, healthier world for our children and grandchildren.”

Increasing Extreme Weather and Rising Risks

The urgency of action has only grown in the face of worsening climate impacts. 2023 was marked by the hottest summer on record, and rising sea levels, deadly heatwaves, and more frequent wildfires and storms have left Americans and governments across the globe scrambling for solutions. Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather patterns, leading to devastating economic and health consequences.

Many states, particularly those led by Democrats, have taken action in the absence of federal leadership. States like California, Massachusetts, and New York have launched ambitious climate initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and embracing clean energy. This trend, experts say, will need to continue as Trump appears set to scale back federal efforts.

“We are ready to fill the gap,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We are going to keep fighting the climate crisis no matter what the federal government does.”

Trump’s Energy Agenda: More Fossil Fuels, Less Regulation

Trump has long touted the importance of fossil fuel development for American economic growth. On the campaign trail, he promised to prioritize “drill, drill, drill” and expand the country’s oil and gas extraction efforts. His focus on maximizing fossil fuel production comes at a time when the world is increasingly acknowledging the need to transition to cleaner energy to combat the rising tide of climate change.

During his first term, Trump’s administration dismantled numerous environmental protections, including regulations designed to reduce carbon emissions and tackle methane leaks. His stance on electric vehicles and renewable energy was equally dismissive, with a focus on maintaining the status quo of gas-guzzling cars and trucks, which contribute to roughly 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of his second-term agenda, Trump has already appointed Lee Zeldin, a former New York Congressman, to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), signaling his intention to continue rolling back climate regulations and prioritize fossil fuel development. Zeldin, who is known for his climate-skeptical views, is expected to work to reduce regulations on the oil and gas industry, undermining federal climate efforts.

States and Local Governments Step In

Despite the anticipated lack of federal climate action, state and local leaders are pledging to continue pushing forward with climate initiatives. The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan group of 24 governors representing nearly half the U.S. population, remains committed to reducing emissions and advancing clean energy goals. These state leaders are determined to make up for the vacuum created by federal policies under Trump’s leadership.

“Whether or not Washington D.C. acts, we have a responsibility to do what we can,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “The transition to a clean energy economy is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic opportunity.”

In New Mexico, for example, the state has doubled its wind energy production since 2019, while California continues to lead with its ambitious goals for renewable energy. Even in more conservative states, like Wyoming, where carbon capture technologies are gaining attention, governors and legislators are working to strike a balance between maintaining economic stability and addressing climate change.

Nonprofits Take Action, Too

As the federal government retreats from climate action, nonprofit organizations are taking matters into their own hands. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has launched MethaneSAT, a satellite to track methane emissions and hold governments and industries accountable for their environmental impacts. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a major contributor to global warming, and EDF’s satellite will allow for unprecedented monitoring of methane leaks worldwide.

“We’re not relying on the federal government to track methane emissions. This is a tool that can hold both industry and government accountable,” said EDF’s Mark Brownstein.

While many environmental groups continue to work with state and local governments, they are also preparing to push back against federal efforts to roll back climate protections. EDF, for example, plans to use its new satellite technology to challenge the federal government if it fails to enforce existing climate laws.

The Economic Case for Climate Action

Despite Trump’s repeated claims that focusing on fossil fuel extraction will strengthen the economy, many experts believe the true economic opportunity lies in the clean energy transition. States like New Mexico, California, and Massachusetts have demonstrated that investing in renewable energy, green technologies, and energy efficiency can create jobs, boost local economies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“There’s no going back,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “The climate economy is real, and it’s growing. We’ve already seen private sector investments in clean energy pouring into the U.S.”

States are also focusing on climate resilience to protect communities from climate change impacts. For example, California is working on wildfire prevention strategies, and cities like Boston and New York are investing in flood protection infrastructure. The private sector is equally invested in clean energy, with companies like Tesla leading the charge for electric vehicles and solar energy systems.

The Road Ahead: Ensuring Long-Term Commitment

As climate change continues to intensify, experts say that the United States cannot afford to ignore the environmental risks posed by Trump’s policies. There is a growing consensus that the transition to clean energy, climate resilience, and environmental protection is not just an environmental necessity but an economic one as well.

For states like Wyoming, where coal is still a major industry, there is hope that carbon capture technology can play a role in reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuels. However, many experts argue that such technologies are not a substitute for the urgent need to reduce emissions.

“We need consistency and long-term commitment to clean energy,” said Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. “The political cycles are disruptive to business, and we need to ensure the economy stays on track while addressing the reality of climate change.”

A Global Responsibility

At the same time, environmental nonprofits are continuing to push for climate action at all levels. The National Audubon Society, for example, emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for climate solutions, noting that protecting the environment is not a partisan issue.

“Birds don’t belong to a political party,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs for Audubon. “No matter who is in the White House, we will continue to advocate for climate solutions and work against any rollback of investments in clean energy.”

The road ahead may be fraught with political challenges, but the need for action is clearer than ever. Climate experts, state leaders, and environmental nonprofits are committed to working together to address the climate crisis and protect future generations from its worst impacts.