With Donald Trump set to return to the White House, environmental advocates and climate scientists are bracing for significant shifts in U.S. climate policy. Trump’s previous tenure saw the U.S. withdraw from the Paris Agreement and roll back numerous environmental regulations, and his campaign promises suggest a continuation of this approach.

Trump has pledged to boost domestic fossil fuel production, promising to expand oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters. He has also indicated plans to revive the coal industry, despite its ongoing decline due to market forces favoring cheaper natural gas and renewable energy.

The future of renewable energy initiatives is uncertain. While Trump has not directly opposed wind and solar power, his emphasis on fossil fuels and skepticism about climate change could lead to reduced federal support for these industries.

Environmental regulations are likely to face further rollbacks. Trump has criticized what he calls “job-killing” regulations and has promised to streamline permitting processes for energy and infrastructure projects, potentially at the expense of environmental protections.

International climate cooperation is another area of concern. Trump’s previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement significantly impacted global climate efforts, and a second withdrawal could further complicate international attempts to address climate change.

As these policies take shape, they are likely to face legal challenges from environmental groups and opposition from states committed to addressing climate change, setting the stage for a complex battle over the future of U.S. climate policy.