US election result: consequences for global climate protection

Trump: a brake on climate protection?

With Donald Trump's election victory, it is to be expected that the USA will continue to distance itself from international climate commitments. In his first term in office, Trump already sent out clear signals against climate protection: he stopped important measures to reduce emissions, strengthened fossil fuels such as oil and coal and withdrew the USA from the Paris Climate Agreement (ZDF).

In his new term of office, Trump could continue this course and put a massive brake on global climate protection efforts. International negotiations on climate protection are often based on US leadership, particularly to secure support for poorer countries that need financial aid for climate protection projects. A US withdrawal could weaken momentum in international climate negotiations and funding for sustainable development projects. While some states and companies in the US remain active and investing in clean energy, without national support these initiatives will remain limited at a regional level and lose reach.

No new climate protection initiative

In contrast to an alternative leadership that could actively promote climate protection and clean technologies, Trump's administration is likely to be less interested in comprehensive climate protection measures. The Inflation Reduction Act and other programs to promote renewable energy are unlikely to be expanded. In the long term, this could result in the US falling behind as a potential leader in climate policy and failing to support important technological advances in renewable energy.

Study results: Impact of choice type on emissions levels

On behalf of Polyas, we conducted a study showing how the type of voting process affects emissions. The results suggest that online elections could make a significant contribution to reducing emissions compared to traditional, physical elections. This is an exciting starting point for reducing emissions in the political context and developing sustainable solutions for democratic processes.

https://www.polyas.de/online-wahlen/studie-nachhaltigkeit

Conclusion: The USA as climate motivation - or obstacle?

The outcome of the presidential election has not only national but also global implications for climate protection. Donald Trump's election victory could probably lead to a slowdown in international climate protection efforts and make global cooperation more difficult. Despite this development, the hope remains that regional players and companies in the USA will continue to pursue their climate targets and make contributions to reducing emissions, at least at a local level. In a world that is increasingly focusing on clean energy and climate-friendly innovations, the USA's contribution remains crucial - even if national climate policy is currently pointing in a different direction.