Monday, February 16, 2026

How permanent is Trump’s assault on climate action?

President Donald Trump’s administration has been marked by a relentless assault on environmental and climate laws. From withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement to rolling back regulations on air and water pollution, Trump has made it clear that he prioritizes political dominance over lasting change when it comes to the environment.

But despite his efforts, these attacks on bedrock environmental laws are inherently fragile and may not have the long-term impact that Trump desires. In fact, they may end up doing more harm than good in the long run.

One of the reasons why Trump’s attacks on environmental and climate laws are fragile is because they go against the will of the majority of Americans. According to a poll by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, 69% of Americans believe that the United States should participate in the Paris Climate Agreement. This includes a majority of both Democrats and Republicans.

Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement not only goes against the will of the American people, but it also goes against the global consensus on climate change. The Paris Agreement was signed by 195 countries and is widely seen as a crucial step in addressing the urgent issue of climate change. By pulling out of the agreement, Trump is isolating the United States and damaging its reputation as a global leader.

Furthermore, Trump’s attacks on environmental laws are also facing legal challenges. Many of the rollbacks and policy changes made by his administration are being challenged in court by environmental groups and states who are determined to protect the environment. These legal battles could potentially delay or even reverse Trump’s actions, making them ultimately ineffective.

But perhaps the biggest reason why Trump’s attacks on environmental laws are fragile is because they ignore the scientific evidence and the urgency of the climate crisis. The overwhelming majority of scientists agree that climate change is real and caused by human activity. Ignoring this fact and dismantling environmental regulations will only exacerbate the problem and lead to more severe consequences in the future.

The fragility of Trump’s attacks on environmental and climate laws is also evident in the growing support for renewable energy and sustainable practices. Despite the administration’s efforts to prop up the dying coal industry, renewable energy sources like wind and solar are becoming increasingly popular and affordable. In fact, renewable energy is now the fastest-growing source of electricity in the United States. This trend shows that the American people are embracing a cleaner and more sustainable future, regardless of the policies being pushed by the Trump administration.

Moreover, many states and local governments have taken matters into their own hands by implementing their own environmental regulations and climate action plans. This shows that there is a strong commitment to protecting the environment at the state and local level, even if it is not being prioritized at the federal level.

In the end, Trump’s attacks on bedrock environmental and climate laws may reflect his preference for political dominance, but they are not reflective of the will of the people or the urgent need for action on climate change. These attacks are fragile and may not have the lasting impact that Trump desires. Instead, they may end up being a temporary setback in the fight against climate change.

It is important to remember that the environment is not a political issue, but a global issue that affects us all. We must work together to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. This means standing up against attacks on environmental laws and supporting policies that promote clean energy and sustainable practices.

In the face of Trump’s assault on the environment, it is important to remain optimistic and continue to push for positive change. We must remember that the fragility of these attacks also means that they can be reversed and that lasting change is still possible. Let us use our voices and actions to protect the environment and create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

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