Inside the U.S. reversal on climate change action - Fresh Air Recap

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-01-28

Duration: 45 minutes

Guests: David Gelles

Summary

David Gelles examines the implications of the Trump administration's reversal of many Biden-era climate policies. He also discusses global leaders' concerns about U.S. climate commitments and the shifting landscape of energy politics due to international events.

What Happened

David Gelles, a New York Times climate reporter, discusses the significant policy reversals under President Trump's administration, particularly the rollback of Biden's climate initiatives. These changes have included the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and a shift in the EPA's focus from pollution reduction to supporting economic activity. Gelles highlights how these actions signal a lack of commitment from the U.S. to global climate goals, creating unease among international leaders.

He reports from the World Economic Forum in Davos, where global leaders expressed concern over the erosion of social norms in the U.S., which has affected international climate negotiations. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, commented on middle powers competing to accommodate shifting global dynamics, and Larry Fink from BlackRock emphasized how climate change is fundamentally reshaping finance.

The episode delves into the breakdown of many climate alliances and commitments in recent years, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This has dramatically shifted energy politics and markets, influencing global energy supply and demand.

Under Trump's administration, incentives for solar panels and electric vehicles have been removed, stalling progress in promoting clean energy. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which played a role in climate initiatives in developing nations, was dismantled, further affecting global climate efforts.

David Gelles also touches on the role of local Republican state treasurers who have pushed back against climate action in the business community. This resistance highlights the domestic political challenges in implementing comprehensive climate policies.

As a counterpoint to the U.S. policy reversals, Gelles discusses Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, who has committed his company to environmental activism by donating all profits to environmental charities. Chouinard's story is detailed in Gelles' book 'Dirtbag Billionaire', illustrating a stark contrast to the current U.S. governmental stance on climate change.

Chouinard's unique approach to business, characterized by a disdain for materialism and a focus on environmental philanthropy, offers an alternative model for corporate responsibility amid shifting climate policies.

Key Insights