The Trump Administration is Ignoring Climate Change. But this Will Only Make Matters Worse.
- August Tonthat
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
In my climate change class, I have learned how global warming affects everything—from the environment to national security. That’s why it’s alarming to see the Trump administration completely ignoring the climate crisis, even as it creates real threats to U.S. interests at home and abroad.
The idea that climate change is a “threat multiplier” isn’t new. Experts have long warned that rising temperatures make things like poverty, migration, and conflict worse. In fact, humans in many third-world countries such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been forced out of their homes due to rising tides. While this seems extremely distant from the US, it is important to remember that compared to these countries, the US emits an exorbitant amount of carbon into the air. This carbon traps heat and leads to global warming. Essentially, the problems of others are caused by our own hands.
Now, in a world focused on strategic competition, especially with China, climate issues are even more important. If the U.S. wants its support, it has to take its climate concerns seriously. Right now, China is offering them help, while the U.S. is stepping back. In accordance with this, the US has placed tariffs on dozens of countries. This only alienates us even more.
And problems aren't as far away as one might believe. At home, U.S. military bases and cities are already getting hit by wildfires, hurricanes, and floods. Without proper funding for adaptation, the US will keep paying billions in damage. The Biden administration had started investing in clean energy and resilience, but Trump’s team seems ready to tear that down.
Ignoring climate change won’t stop its effects; it just puts us at greater risk. If the U.S. wants to stay strong and protect its allies, it needs to lead on climate, not fall behind. It’s not just about politics. It’s about shaping the future.
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