If Republican frontrunner Donald Trump wins the 2024 U.S. election it could harm the global effort to fight climate change, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in an interview aired on Friday.
Quick Read
- Justin Trudeau’s Concerns About Trump’s Potential Win:
- Context: 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.
- Main Concern: Impact on global climate change efforts.
- Reason: Trump’s denial of climate change science.
- Trump’s Climate Policies:
- Intentions: To withdraw a $3 billion U.S. pledge to a global climate fund.
- Campaign Focus: Criticizing Biden administration’s renewable energy investments.
- Trudeau’s Stance:
- Emphasis: Importance of environmental protection and economic development.
- View on Trump Presidency: Could significantly hinder global climate progress.
- Past Relationship: Strained, with previous public disagreements.
- Impact of U.S. Policy Shifts:
- Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act: Prompted Canada to invest heavily in green industries.
- Influence: U.S. policy changes affect Canada’s economic and environmental strategies.
- Trudeau’s Diplomatic Relations:
- With Trump: Historically tense.
- With Biden: Swift congratulations on 2020 victory, indicating preference.
Reuters has the story:
Canada PM: Trump win in 2024 could harm fight against climate change
Newslooks-OTTAWA, (Reuters)
If Republican frontrunner Donald Trump wins the 2024 U.S. election it could harm the global effort to fight climate change, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in an interview aired on Friday.
Trump, who denies the science of climate change, said last week that if elected he would renege on a $3 billion U.S. pledge to a global fund meant to help developing countries cut emissions. Trump has made attacking the Biden administration’s investments in renewable energy a core part of his campaign message.
“Yes, there’s a concern particularly around the environment at a time where it’s so important to move forward on protecting and building an economy of the future,” Trudeau told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
“A Trump presidency that goes back on the fight against climate change would slow down the world’s progress in ways that are concerning to me,” he said, describing Trump’s approach to the climate during his presidency as “a menace not just to Canada but to the world”.
Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which outlined massive investments to accelerate the green transition, prompted Canada to spend billions to attract major automakers seeking sites to manufacture electric vehicles and battery components.
Trudeau had a rocky relationship with Trump, who once called him “dishonest and weak”, and he was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Biden on his 2020 election victory.
