World's Former Climate Envoys Warns About Trump Endangering Global 'Consensus Science'
John Podesta, former senior point person on international climate policy for President Joe Biden, recently testified as an expert witness in the case Lighthiser v. Trump. In his testimony, Podesta expressed concern over the Trump administration's approach to climate change and its implications for the United States and the world.
Podesta suggested that Trump's strategy on climate change is driven by a mix of political strategies, economic interests, and culture war politics. He predicted that the US's absence from climate leadership would empower countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia to water down ambition at upcoming COP30 talks in Brazil.
The Trump administration's second term has seen rollbacks of domestic policy aimed at fighting climate change and an effort to push fossil fuels abroad. The administration pushed for an international policy promoting fossil fuel exports, primarily supported by the United States itself, while demanding that European partners restrict Russian oil imports and increase tariffs on Chinese goods. However, Podesta noted that EU countries like Hungary and Slovakia still heavily depend on Russian oil, and Turkey continues to buy large amounts of Russian energy, resisting immediate change.
Podesta expressed his belief that the Trump administration is trying to prevent climate action in international forums, promote fossil fuels in bilateral relationships, and show disdain for common action in multilateral fora. He also stated that the administration could try to weaken UN consensus on climate change, but believes they will have limited effect on the overall production of peer-reviewed science.
In the Lighthiser case, young plaintiffs are seeking specific remedies against direct harm caused by this administration's actions. Podesta spoke about the case, expressing his belief that the testimony given by the plaintiffs was moving and that their future is at stake. He differentiated the Lighthiser case from the Juliana case, stating that the Lighthiser case is seeking specific remedies against the administration's actions.
Podesta also addressed the potential impact of the Trump administration's posture on climate change on the US's standing in the world. He spoke about America's retreat from climate leadership and its implications for the planet and US influence. The Trump administration's posture on climate change could affect the US's standing in the world, particularly in comparison to China's push to dominate clean energy.
It is important to note that Podesta's testimony in the Lighthiser case was given before he joined the Biden administration. The Lighthiser case is not mentioned as being opposed by Podesta while he was part of the Biden administration.
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