6th November, 2024 – The U.S. election has been called and Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States of America.
350.org acknowledges the outcome of the democratic process while also expressing concern that the election result could set back the rights of many communities, colleagues, partners and allies in the U.S., and that Trump’s re-election could mean violations of marginalized people.
In the face of this deep disappointment, we draw strength from the collective determination and strength of the climate movement. As the world grapples with runaway climate chaos, widespread cost of living increases, geopolitical instability, and violent conflict, it is time for collective constructive action. The need for strategic interventions and advocacy in the US will be even greater given the Presidency will be handed over to a known climate denier. The climate crisis is unraveling with record global temperatures, against a backdrop of deeply ingrained systems of power that influence which politics and policies move forward. The climate movement remains steadfast in its goal of pursuing climate justice, and putting the interests of people and planet ahead of profit.
Next week (Nov 11) the UN climate conference, COP29, starts in Baku, Azerbaijan and countries from across the world have the opportunity to double down on their climate commitments. This is a time for us to keep faith in multilateralism, for global leaders to step up to the climate challenge, and for the climate movement to hold them accountable. The world needs leadership, accountability, and collaboration from Europe, China, climate-vulnerable nations, and climate allies like Brazil. The good news is that both the money and the blueprints for community-centered, renewable energy solutions exist. It’s time to put them together. The global renewable energy transition is inevitable and doesn’t rely on one country alone.
“Achieving success in global climate politics necessitates having an engaged United States willing to own its share of the responsibility. The next Trump administration will be isolationist and dangerous to climate. But in that darkness, there is some hope that in diminished US power, other nations can step up, and states like California can follow.
We will be fighting to ensure that Trump’s election creates a more resilient climate justice movement, one that realizes we cannot separate decarbonization, migrant rights, human rights, and demilitarization. Working together on climate change is in everyone’s best interest. The energy transition in the US will proceed, with or without Trumpʼs support.” Jeff Ordower, 350.org North America Director.
Trump isn’t in office yet and Joe Biden has the opportunity to increase U.S. climate ambition and finance at COP29. These crucial weeks before Trump is inaugurated in January 2025 will determine the Biden legacy he leaves behind and whether he will be remembered as the leader who tried to limit the Trump administration’s damage and keep the world from careening further into climate chaos. Biden must fulfill the US’s commitment to stop financing fossil fuel projects – pause all new Liquified Natural gas (LNG) exports and increase funding and ambition for renewable energy projects both at home and abroad.
Trump’s re-election cannot be an excuse for other nations to scale back ambition. Those who have the least responsibility and are hit the hardest by the climate crisis are already demonstrating leadership, by offering examples of what a more equitable and healthy world could look like. We must not allow profit-focused nations to replace one broken system with another that suits their own interests. Developing nations can stand together and lead efforts to redirect funds from fossil fuels into renewable projects that benefit their communities and make them more resilient.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Rachel Brabbins, [email protected] // +55 21 98299 8252
Mel Smith, [email protected] // 1 (973) 986-1125
Notes to Editors:
Spokespeople from both inside and outside of the U.S. are available on request
350 Action (U.S. focused statement) can be found here