//WHITE LIGHTNING AI RESEARCH//11/14/24/1500PST//
#COP29Baku IRA 11/14/24/1515PST: #Trump repeal of Inflation Reduction Act, along with evac from the Paris Agreement, would have a disastrous domino effect across the #climate initiative universe, allowing others to scale back commitments. #COP29Azerbaijan
(Image credit: Scientific American)
cop29 trump repeal of inflation reduction act
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The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, has been overshadowed by concerns about the potential impact of Donald Trump's recent election victory on global climate efforts. Here's a summary of the key points regarding Trump's potential repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its implications for climate action:
U.S. Climate Envoy's Reassurances
John Podesta, the U.S. climate envoy, has sought to reassure the international community about the United States' commitment to climate action despite Trump's election:
- Podesta acknowledged the disappointment following Trump's victory but emphasized that climate change mitigation efforts will persist in the United States12.
- He stressed that while Trump might slow down climate initiatives, he cannot completely halt them12.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Its Future
The IRA, a landmark climate legislation enacted under President Joe Biden, has been a focal point of discussion:- Podesta highlighted that the IRA will continue to drive investment in renewable energy technologies like solar and wind1.
- He expressed confidence that the progress made through the IRA cannot be entirely undone, stating, "The direction is unmistakable, even if progress might be slowed"2.
Challenges to Repealing the IRA
While Trump has vowed to repeal the IRA, there are significant obstacles:- Repealing the IRA would require Congressional approval, which could be difficult due to support from some Republican lawmakers whose constituencies benefit from IRA-related investments1.
- The IRA has already spurred substantial investment in clean energy, making it challenging to reverse its effects completely.
Global Implications
The potential U.S. retreat from climate engagement under a Trump presidency has raised concerns:- There are worries that other countries might reconsider their climate commitments or scale back future goals if the U.S., as the second-largest emitter and biggest economy, does not maintain its commitments1.
- The uncertainty surrounding U.S. climate policy could complicate international negotiations and efforts to address global warming.
Ongoing Climate Efforts
Despite the concerns, there are signs of continued progress in climate action:- At COP29, delegates reached an agreement on new UN guidelines for international carbon markets, marking a crucial step toward enabling countries to trade carbon credits to achieve their climate goals2.
- State governments in the U.S. are expected to continue advancing emissions reductions through their regulations1.
How might Trump's repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act impact global climate agreements
The potential repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) under a second Trump administration could have significant implications for global climate agreements and efforts to combat climate change:
Impact on U.S. Emissions Reduction
The IRA is a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy, providing substantial funding and incentives for clean energy development. Its repeal could:- Slow down the transition to renewable energy sources in the U.S.12
- Make it unlikely for the U.S. to meet its emissions reduction targets3
- Potentially increase carbon dioxide emissions by about four billion tons between 2025 and 20304
International Climate Diplomacy
The repeal of the IRA could have far-reaching effects on global climate efforts:- Undermine international climate diplomacy and the U.S.'s credibility in climate negotiations37
- Potentially lead other countries to reconsider or scale back their climate commitments8
- Reduce U.S. climate finance assistance to vulnerable nations3
Paris Agreement
Trump has pledged to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement again:- This would significantly impact global efforts to combat climate change78
- It could encourage other right-wing leaders to slow or ignore climate action4
- The U.S. might also withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, making future re-entry more difficult2
Economic and Market Impacts
The repeal of the IRA could have economic consequences:- Disrupt the clean energy sector, which has seen planned investments grow to roughly $500 billion since the law's passage6
- Potentially lead to job losses in the clean energy industry6
- Create uncertainty for businesses and investors in the clean energy sector9
Potential Mitigating Factors
Despite these challenges, some factors might limit the impact of an IRA repeal:- Complete repeal would require Congressional approval, which could be difficult due to bipartisan support for some aspects of the law12
- Many IRA benefits have flowed to Republican districts, potentially complicating repeal efforts45
- Market dynamics and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy may continue to drive clean energy investments25
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Full Text: cop29 trump repeal of inflation reduction act
//WHITE LIGHTNING AI RESEARCH//11/14/24/1500PST//
//WHITE LIGHTNING AI RESEARCH//11/14/24/1500PST//