With the possibility of a second Trump presidency looming, climate-change experts are bracing for the return of policies that could put environmental progress at risk. President Donald Trump’s previous term saw him prioritize fossil fuel development and roll back climate regulations, and experts worry that a second term could intensify those efforts. As Trump prepares to focus on the economy over climate action, many are looking to state governments, local leaders, and nonprofits to continue driving change in the fight against climate change.

During his first presidency, Trump’s policies favored the oil and gas industry, and he pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement. His administration weakened environmental regulations and often ignored or downplayed the risks of global warming. As he prepares for another term, Trump has signaled that the economy will again take priority over environmental concerns.

“We need states, cities, businesses, and organizations to step up again, just as we did in 2017,” said Gina McCarthy, who led the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Obama and now co-chairs the climate coalition America is All In. “We cannot let anyone stand in the way of ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit safer, healthier communities.”

Rising Temperatures and Growing Risks

Climate scientists continue to warn that climate change is already having dire effects. Last summer was the hottest on record, and extreme heat alone causes thousands of deaths each year in the U.S. The increased frequency of wildfires, floods, and hurricanes has cost billions of dollars in damages. Experts argue that Trump’s approach—focused on boosting fossil fuel extraction and deregulating industries—could worsen these risks, particularly in vulnerable coastal and wildfire-prone regions.

Trump has promised to ramp up oil and gas production, pushing for more drilling and continued investment in fossil fuels. His plans also include rolling back efforts to promote electric vehicles, a critical step in reducing transportation emissions, which account for nearly 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Trump’s policies during his first term gutted many climate protections. He appointed climate-skeptical judges, dismissed renewable energy as unimportant, and took aim at wind power, calling turbines “ugly.” His stance on climate change was often dismissive, and his administration frequently undermined environmental research and agencies dedicated to fighting global warming.

A New EPA Leader and Deregulatory Agenda

Trump’s appointment of former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to head the EPA signals his commitment to reducing government regulations, particularly those that restrict oil, gas, and coal production. In a statement, Trump described Zeldin as someone who would ensure “fair and swift deregulatory decisions” to unleash American business power, all while maintaining the “highest environmental standards.”

Zeldin, who is known for his support of deregulation, is expected to reverse or weaken many of the Obama-era climate policies. His appointment also comes at a time when the Biden administration is implementing significant climate regulations, such as those targeting methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.

“The Stakes Could Not Be Higher”

As the impacts of climate change become more evident—particularly in the form of stronger hurricanes, wildfires, and rising sea levels—experts warn that Trump’s focus on the economy could exacerbate environmental risks. By increasing greenhouse gas emissions and loosening environmental protections, experts say a second Trump term could undermine long-term efforts to combat climate change.

“The stakes could not be higher,” said Professor Leah Stokes of the University of California, Santa Barbara. “Destroying institutions is easy. Rebuilding them takes decades.”

Experts argue that, without a strong federal push, efforts to address climate change would fall to individual states, cities, and local organizations. In Trump’s first term, states like California and Massachusetts, as well as cities across the country, took the lead in reducing emissions and implementing climate-friendly policies.

States and Cities Continue Leading the Way

Despite the potential for a rollback of federal climate policies, many states and cities are committed to continuing their climate action plans. The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan group of 24 governors, represents nearly half of the U.S. population and 60% of the country’s economy. These governors are dedicated to pursuing climate-friendly initiatives, including expanding renewable energy and reducing emissions.

In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is focused on growing the state’s wind energy production, which has doubled since 2019. As co-chair of the Climate Alliance, Lujan Grisham emphasizes the importance of clean energy as both an economic opportunity and a climate solution. “The climate economy works, and it has massive opportunity,” she said. “The private sector has already mobilized trillions of dollars into the clean energy market, and there’s no going back.”

While some states are doubling down on renewable energy, others, like Wyoming, are looking to technologies like carbon capture, which involves capturing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it underground. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon hopes to strike a balance by maintaining some coal production while encouraging the development of carbon-capture technologies.

Nonprofits Take Action

In addition to state and local efforts, nonprofit organizations are continuing to fight climate change, even if federal policies shift under a second Trump presidency. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), for example, launched a satellite this year to track methane emissions, which contribute significantly to global warming. EDF’s MethaneSAT will provide a tool to hold both industries and governments accountable for their actions to limit methane leaks.

“Climate change requires global action, and if the U.S. government pulls back from its role, it would be catastrophic,” said Fred Krupp, president of EDF. The nonprofit is also prepared to use its new satellite to hold the federal government accountable for enforcing methane emission restrictions passed in 2022.

Similarly, the National Audubon Society has worked with both Democratic and Republican administrations to push for clean energy investments. As Felice Stadler, Audubon’s vice president of government affairs, notes, “Birds do not belong to a political party.” The organization will continue advocating for policies that protect both wildlife and communities from the devastating effects of climate change.

Looking Ahead: Climate Action is Essential

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the next U.S. administration, experts agree that the fight against climate change must continue. Whether through state-led initiatives, nonprofit advocacy, or local government action, addressing climate change is critical to safeguarding the future.

“Regardless of who is in the White House, we will continue to advocate for climate solutions,” said Stadler. “This is an issue that affects us all, and the need for action is urgent.”

In the face of political uncertainty, the commitment to fighting climate change remains strong. However, experts emphasize that without substantial federal action, the U.S. risks falling behind in the global fight to mitigate the effects of a warming planet.