Trump Secures Presidency in 2024 Election as Climate Council Urges Renewed Clean Energy Focus
Donald Trump has won a resounding victory in the 2024 US election, reclaiming the presidency with a clear popular vote majority—a first for a Republican since George W. Bush’s reelection in 2004. His party now holds control of Congress, securing the House, the Senate, and gaining more governorships nationwide. Yet, despite Republican dominance in US politics, the Climate Council warns that Trump’s renewed emphasis on coal, oil, and gas will not be enough to derail the global clean energy movement.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie responded to the election outcome by urging Australia to intensify its clean energy efforts. “As Trump dials up the climate delay and denial, Australia can keep dialling back the climate pollution that’s overheating our planet,” McKenzie stated. “That will keep more of us and our kids safer.”
McKenzie highlighted Trump’s previous administration’s attempt to withdraw the US from international climate commitments, which triggered a significant response from US states and local governments that moved forward on climate initiatives.
With Trump back in office, she noted, the world is prepared to continue its climate progress regardless of shifts in US policy. “Countries and US states know the Trump playbook—and they’re determined to keep driving climate action forward.”
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Climate Council Fellow Dr. Wesley Morgan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Trump’s approach to climate change is increasingly at odds with global trends.
“Donald Trump’s climate denialism is completely out of step with the global push for climate action, putting communities and entire ecosystems at serious risk,” Morgan said. He pointed to the escalating instability of weather patterns, resource conflicts, and economic disruptions that underscore the need for coordinated climate efforts.
“If Trump abandons international climate agreements, he will take the US out of the room where the world’s future is shaped,” Morgan added, stressing that America’s role is critical but that the transition to renewable energy is a global phenomenon that will proceed regardless of US leadership.
“The global shift to clean energy is accelerating, and Trump can’t stop it. This is a megatrend.”
McKenzie reinforced that Australia’s path toward renewable energy is well underway, with the adoption of rooftop solar, battery storage, and community-led renewable projects surging.
“Continuing to cut climate pollution is in our national interest as it will keep Australians safer, with pollution from coal, oil, and gas already driving unnatural disasters, like the Black Summer bushfires and Lismore floods.”
As the world contends with Trump’s renewed influence over US climate policy, McKenzie asserted that Australian climate progress would not be swayed.
“This isn’t about any single election or individual: collectively, we can secure a safer, cleaner world. Trump’s re-election doesn’t alter the science or what we need to do,” she said. “Our kids’ future depends on all of us doing as much as we can.”
The Climate Council’s message remains clear: while Trump’s win may shift US policy, it will not deter global momentum on climate action. Australia, in particular, intends to keep progressing toward renewable energy, confident that a clean energy future can be achieved independently of any single nation’s stance.
As McKenzie concluded, “The renewable energy shift is unstoppable and so is Australia’s role in it. Now’s the time to power forward.”
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