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COP30 Summit Opens with Sharp Rebukes of Trump’s Climate Record
The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, began with fierce criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s history of climate inaction. World leaders and diplomats took aim at his past policies and current campaign promises, warning that a potential second Trump term could undermine global climate efforts.
Trump’s Controversial Climate Policies Under Fire
During his presidency (2017–2021), Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, rolled back over 100 environmental regulations, and aggressively expanded fossil fuel production. Key actions included:
– Slashing vehicle emissions standards
– Weakening the Clean Power Plan
– Opening public lands to oil and gas drilling
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned such policies, stating, “Leadership requires responsibility. Denying science and obstructing climate action is unacceptable.”
2024 Election Looms Over Climate Talks
With Trump leading GOP polls, his campaign rhetoric has reignited concerns. He has dismissed renewable energy as “unreliable” and vowed to expand drilling—a stance that clashes with COP30’s goals. Brazilian President Lula da Silva warned, “We cannot let short-term politics endanger our planet’s future.”
Biden Team Defends U.S. Climate Progress
The U.S. delegation, led by John Kerry, highlighted Biden’s clean energy investments and emission reduction targets. Yet, leaders from vulnerable nations, like Barbados PM Mia Mottley, stressed: “Climate action demands consistency, not reversals.”
Global Fears of a Climate Backslide
A potential Trump return has alarmed climate diplomats, who fear it could weaken international commitments. Former COP26 president Alok Sharma noted, “If the U.S. retreats again, others may follow.”
COP30’s Expected Outcomes
The summit may introduce stronger accountability measures for nations reneging on climate pledges. Meanwhile, activists warn the 2024 election could be pivotal for global climate efforts.
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