Why Trump is pressuring other countries to abandon climate goals

Why Trump is pressuring other countries to abandon climate goals

US President Donald Trump has not only rolled back clean energy policies at home, but is also leveraging US economic power to pressure other countries to burn more oil, gas and coal. From tariffs to trade deals, his administration has systematically promoted fossil fuels as a pillar of US diplomacy. Trump has openly mocked wind and solar power, calling wind turbines a “con job,” and pledged to punish nations that back stricter global climate agreements, the New York Times reported.

Trade deals tied to oil and gas

Recent trade negotiations with the European Union ended with a pledge from the bloc to buy $750 billion worth of American oil and gas over three years, an arrangement that directly conflicts with Europe’s climate commitments. Similar deals have been struck with South Korea and Japan, each involving massive purchases of liquefied natural gas and other fossil fuels. In every case, the White House has linked US economic cooperation to increased fossil fuel consumption.

Undermining international climate agreements

The Trump administration has skipped or opposed major global climate talks this year. It rejected a shipping industry plan to impose fees on greenhouse gas emissions, threatened tariffs on countries supporting emissions cuts, and dismissed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as “climate ideology.” Energy Secretary Chris Wright has warned allies that pursuing net-zero targets is “sinister,” further straining US relations with partners pursuing green transitions.

Mocking wind and blocking renewables

Trump’s personal hostility toward renewable energy has become a defining feature of his climate policy. During visits to Europe, he derided wind power as destructive and wasteful, claiming it harms birds and economies alike. His administration has slashed support for electric vehicles, solar projects and offshore wind farms, signalling to allies that Washington will not support global moves toward clean energy.

Climate stakes and global backlash

Scientists warn that Trump’s strategy comes at a perilous moment. Last year was the hottest on record, with average global temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels for the first time. Deadly heatwaves, wildfires and floods underscore the urgency of rapid emission cuts. European officials and climate advocates say US obstruction risks slowing international progress just as countries are expected to strengthen their Paris Agreement pledges.

Allies caught in the middle

European leaders, already reliant on US support in security matters, face intense pressure to accept fossil fuel-heavy trade deals even as they work toward ambitious green energy goals. Germany’s former climate envoy Jennifer Morgan described Trump’s actions as a deliberate attempt to “increase the use of fossil fuels around the world instead of decrease.” Environmental groups warn that the US position could embolden other major polluters to weaken their own commitments.

What lies ahead

While Trump’s push may slow the transition, most countries remain committed to expanding renewable energy. Analysts say global investment in wind and solar will continue, but US policies could increase costs, delay progress, and undermine collective climate action. For now, Trump’s “fossil fuel first” strategy has become a central pillar of US diplomacy, reshaping not just domestic energy policy but the direction of international climate negotiations.