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The coming US presidential election could shape the trajectory of climate policy in Asia, with experts suggesting Kamala Harris would “champion” aggressive policies that would bolster developing countries’ access to much-needed climate funding, while a Donald Trump win may undermine international climate agreements.
The United Nations’ COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku on November 11, will take place less than a week after the US polls conclude, leaving little time for the new president to outline climate policies before the conference. However, the election outcome could send significant signals to the international community.
A report by the Climate Policy Initiative in 2023 estimates that the world needs US$1 trillion annually to adapt to climate change, with developing countries – already burdened by pandemic-induced revenue losses and debts – being the most vulnerable to extreme weather fluctuations.
Trump has repeatedly said he will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change. While such a move might face legislative hurdles in the senate, Trump could still halt funding for climate programmes unilaterally.
Harris would likely champion climate change policies, which could bring investments in renewable energy and environmental initiatives in Southeast Asia