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

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-01-28

Duration: 45 min

Summary

The episode discusses the significant shift in U.S. climate policy under the current administration, exploring the implications of this reversal on global climate action and corporate commitments to sustainability.

What Happened

Host Dave Davies speaks with David Gellis, a reporter from the New York Times climate team, about the changing landscape of U.S. climate policy, particularly under the recent administration. Gellis highlights how global leaders are expressing concern over the U.S.'s erratic foreign policy and the erosion of social norms, which is impacting international cooperation on climate issues. He notes that the recent events in Minnesota, including a fatal shooting by federal agents, are emblematic of a broader sentiment of unease regarding the U.S.'s stability and leadership role in the world.

The conversation shifts to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Gellis observed a decline in corporate commitment to climate action compared to previous years. He points out that financial leaders who once pledged to prioritize climate change are now retracting those commitments as the political and economic landscape shifts with the Trump administration's policies. Gellis emphasizes that the rapid changes initiated by the administration have disrupted decades of progress in climate policy, highlighting the role of strong grassroots pushback from Republicans against environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, which were previously gaining traction among corporations.

Gellis reflects on the mixed feelings among global leaders, who are concerned about the U.S. yet also recognize the need to adapt to this new reality. The interview underscores that the challenges facing climate action are not solely the result of U.S. policy, but part of a larger global reset, urging listeners to consider the interconnected nature of these issues as they unfold.

Key Insights

• Global leaders are increasingly concerned about the U.S.'s erratic foreign policy and social stability.
• Corporate commitments to climate action have weakened significantly since the Trump administration took office.
• The rise of grassroots Republican opposition has led to a retreat from earlier ESG-focused initiatives in the business community.
• There is a broader global reset occurring in response to shifting U.S. policies on climate and international relations.

Key Questions Answered

What changes to U.S. climate policy have occurred under the Trump administration?

The Trump administration has aggressively moved to reverse the climate policies established during the Biden administration. This includes rolling back regulations aimed at reducing emissions and promoting clean energy, which has significantly altered the energy trajectory in the United States. As David Gellis notes, these radical policy changes create new incentives for corporations, leading many to retreat from previously made climate commitments.

How have global leaders reacted to U.S. climate policy changes?

Global leaders are expressing a deep sense of concern regarding the United States' erratic foreign policy and the erosion of social norms. During the World Economic Forum, Gellis noted that leaders were weighing the implications of events in the U.S., such as the recent fatal shooting in Minnesota, which has drawn international attention. This concern reflects a broader anxiety about the U.S.'s role in global governance and the impact on international cooperation for climate action.

What is the current state of corporate commitments to climate action?

Corporate commitments to climate action have significantly weakened in recent years, particularly since the Trump administration came to power. Gellis mentions that many alliances and pledges made by financial leaders at the Davos forum have fallen apart, with a lack of upheld commitments becoming a common theme. This shift is largely attributed to a strong grassroots pushback from Republican factions within the business community against climate action.

What role does grassroots Republican opposition play in climate action?

Grassroots Republican opposition has played a crucial role in shifting corporate attitudes towards climate action. Local Republican state treasurers have expressed discomfort with businesses engaging in social issues, including climate initiatives. This pushback has effectively silenced many climate actions and encouraged a more adversarial approach towards ESG commitments, leading corporations to reconsider their positions on climate-related policies.

Is the shift in U.S. climate policy considered permanent by international leaders?

Many international leaders believe that the current shift in U.S. climate policy may not be permanent. During discussions in Davos, Gellis found that leaders are hopeful that the upcoming congressional and presidential elections could lead to a change in direction. However, they also acknowledge that the broader global reset is occurring, suggesting that even without the Trump administration's actions, the world is moving away from established norms regarding climate policy.