U.S. Position on Climate Negotiations Ahead of COP30 Summit
Nations are convening in Belém, Brazil, for the United Nations' annual climate summit, COP30. The event, scheduled to commence on Monday, is anticipated to run for approximately two weeks, focusing on climate change response.
The United States will not have high-level officials attending COP30 this year, as confirmed by a White House statement to NPR. This marks a departure from previous U.S. participation at such summits.
During the prior Trump administration, U.S. delegates participated in the talks. The current administration has expressed skepticism regarding global warming mitigation efforts, characterizing them as a "hoax."
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated, "President Trump will not jeopardize our country's economic and national security to pursue vague climate goals that are killing other countries."
In January, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Paris Agreement. This accord established a goal for signatory nations to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with an ideal target of less than 1.5 C (2.7 F). A recent U.N. climate report indicates the planet is projected to warm approximately 2.8 C (5 F) above preindustrial levels by 2100.
Subsequent to the Paris Agreement, the U.S. had developed policies aimed at reducing climate pollution. The Trump administration's policy changes have impacted these efforts and communities' capacity to manage climate-related risks, such as prolonged extreme heat seasons and more intense wildfires or floods. Some climate experts have expressed concerns that U.S. policy shifts could influence other countries' approaches to climate goals.
The U.N. report estimates that a discontinuation of all U.S. climate efforts could contribute an additional 0.1 C to global warming. This increment, while a fraction of the total projected change, is noted to have potential real-world impacts. Ko Barrett, deputy secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, stated that "Each fraction of a degree matters for communities facing floods, drought, and heat extremes."
Key Shifts in U.S. Climate Policy
The Trump administration has initiated six key shifts in U.S. climate policy.
Rolling Back Policies Targeting Climate Pollution
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced intentions to review over two dozen rules and policies, characterizing the action as a significant day of deregulation in U.S. history.
A central aspect of the administration's strategy involves seeking to reverse the "endangerment finding," which serves as a legal foundation for numerous U.S. climate policies.
In 2009, the EPA classified carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as a danger to public health and welfare. Subsequent legal challenges contributed to delays in finalizing regulations for greenhouse gas pollution. The Trump administration has expressed intent to eliminate this 2009 endangerment finding, a move that could facilitate the modification of other climate regulations.
In July, the EPA under the Trump administration contended that current U.S. climate pollution levels are not causing harm to people, and therefore, do not require regulation in the manner established by courts and prior administrations.
Reconsidering Limits on Power Plant Climate Pollution
In June, the Trump administration disclosed plans to repeal existing limits on greenhouse gas emissions and other airborne pollutants from fossil fuel-fired power plants. If enacted following anticipated legal challenges, this proposal would remove controls on what is identified as the second-largest source of climate pollution in the U.S., after transportation.
The administration contends that U.S. coal and gas-fired power plants account for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, noting a decrease from 5.5% in 2005. Based on this, the administration suggests that further reductions would offer minimal public health benefits. Historically, the U.S. has been responsible for nearly a quarter of the climate pollution currently in the atmosphere, a higher proportion than any other nation.
Withdrawing Support for Renewable Energy Technologies
The Trump administration is advancing initiatives to expand areas for oil and gas exploration on U.S. land and in its oceans. Concurrently, it has reduced federal support for wind and solar industries, which it has characterized as risky and unreliable.
A new GOP spending law has concluded federal tax incentives for wind and solar, affecting numerous projects. The Trump administration has also withdrawn over $13 billion in funds for green energy projects and sought to suspend offshore wind projects under construction. According to BloombergNEF data, U.S. renewable investment decreased by 36% in the first half of 2025. Energy experts indicate that the complete impact of these policies is yet to be determined.
The Trump administration is also modifying subsidies for consumers acquiring technologies such as rooftop solar, efficient heat pumps, and electric vehicles. A $7 billion grant program for local solar projects was terminated. Federal incentives for rooftop solar, heat pumps, and insulation are scheduled to conclude on Dec. 31, while tax credits for electric vehicles ended on Sept. 30.
Cutting Climate-Preparedness Grants Nationwide
The Trump administration has terminated grants for various climate and environmental initiatives across the U.S. This action has led some grant recipients, contractors, and activists to question the government's role as a consistent partner.
Funding reductions have affected diverse energy projects, including transmission lines and carbon capture research. Jackie Wong, a senior vice president at the Natural Resources Defense Council, stated that these actions could hinder American innovation and competitiveness.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns that the cessation of Energy Department funding could contribute to higher utility bills and potentially decelerate economic growth, particularly as new data centers and factories are projected to increase electricity demand.
Reducing Federal Support for Climate Science and Data
The Trump administration has modified federal engagement with climate science and scientists. The National Climate Assessment, identified as a key source of information on climate change impacts in the U.S., was among the areas affected. In April, the administration reassigned individuals involved in the next edition of the report. In July, the federal website hosting the most recent edition became unavailable.
Funding for climate science research at agencies including NOAA, NASA, and USDA was reduced by the administration. These reductions have impacted established data collection efforts and datasets, such as NOAA's Billion Dollar Disaster analysis, which monitors the financial costs of disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, hailstorms, and floods. This database was discontinued in May.
Reduced Federal Support for Disaster Relief and Preparedness
The Trump administration has also implemented reduced federal support for disaster relief and preparedness initiatives.