What Does Trump’s US Election Victory Mean for Renewable Energy Sources?

Date: 29/11/24

As one of the UK’s leading clean energy equipment providers, Think Hire are enthusiastic advocates for reducing carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources as part of the fight against climate change. So naturally, we have been watching the outcome of the US election very closely.

There’s no doubt that Donald Trump’s win will have far reaching consequences, both for the United States and the wider world. Former UN climate chief, Christiana Figueres, said that “The result from this election will be seen as a major blow to global climate action", while the BBC described it as “a huge roadblock road-block to progress in both cutting emissions and raising cash for developing countries”.

“The US election is hugely consequential not just for its citizens, but for the whole world because of the pressing imperative of the climate and nature crisis,” said Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on X.

What is Trump's stand on climate change?

Trump is typically blunt on the subject of climate change, often describing it as a ‘hoax’. While the Harris campaign promised to ‘unite Americans to tackle the climate crisis’, Trump has vowed to ‘end the anti-American energy crusade’. 

He famously said that rising sea levels will simply create ‘more beachfront property’ and described Biden’s Green New Deal and a ‘green new scam’. Despite the backing of Tesla boss, Elon Musk, Trumps has said that electric vehicles will destroy jobs in the auto industry. He also has little time for renewable energy sources, leading chants of ‘drill baby drill’ at recent rallies.

During his first term, Trump withdrew the US from the Paris agreement, which is aimed at restricting climate change by limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The rules mean that this withdrawal didn’t take place for three years, and it was reversed by President Biden. A fresh withdrawal, however, would become effective in just one year.

The impact will be felt even sooner

‘Kamala Harris cares more about climate change than about inflation,’ said VP elect, JD Vance in The Wall Street Journal. And so she should. 2024 is on course to be not only the warmest year on record, but also the first time that temperature rises have exceeded the Paris level of 1.5°C – reaching 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. That means that while climate action is more crucial than ever before, it is now far less likely to happen.

Trump has variously described the Paris Agreement as ‘a rip off’, ‘ridiculous’, ‘disastrous’ and ‘the most unfair document you’ve ever seen’. Without an effective US commitment at COP 29, it’s unlikely that countries like China will be persuaded to join the climate fight and support a move towards renewable energy sources.

Make your own change

While Trump’s victory may be a major set-back for climate action, it shouldn’t stop the rest of us doing everything we can to reduce our emissions by increasing our use of renewable energy sources. If anything, it’s now so much more important to make those changes.

Think Hire has everything you need to make your project more environmentally friendly, from solar powered generator hire to solar site lighting and EV charging points. What’s more, our team have the experience and the expertise to help you create a bespoke set-up that’s the perfect match for both your site energy needs and your environmental ambitions.

The US election may seem a world away, but the global consequences could be catastrophic. It’s never been more important for every one of us to do everything we can to switch to renewable energy sources and cut carbon emissions.

Contact Think Hire today and we’ll show you how easily, and cost-effectively, your organisation can play its part, saving the planet and saving on operating costs at the same time.

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