Trump's Second Term and Its Climate Implications
In January 2025, Donald Trump will begin his second term as U.S. president, an event that many experts fear will be a setback for global climate action. Trump has already announced plans to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and may even leave the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), potentially weakening international climate cooperation.
Despite this, some analysts argue that the momentum behind clean energy is too strong to be reversed. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a key climate policy implemented under Joe Biden, has driven massive investments in renewable energy, particularly in Republican-led states. This could create political resistance to any attempts by Trump to weaken climate policies. Additionally, China continues to lead in renewable energy capacity, reducing global dependence on U.S. climate leadership.
New National Climate Targets
February 2025 marks a key deadline under the Paris Agreement, as countries must submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate commitments for the next decade. These targets are essential to meeting the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. While countries like the U.S., the UK, and Brazil have updated their targets, major emitters like China and India have yet to submit theirs. Given that global emissions reached record levels in 2023, these new commitments must be significantly more ambitious to align with scientific recommendations.
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Efforts
Biodiversity will also take center stage in 2025. The second phase of the COP16 biodiversity summit will be held in February in Rome, where nations will discuss financing mechanisms to implement the goal of protecting 30% of the planet's land and oceans by 2030. Later in the year, the COP30 climate summit in Brazil is expected to focus on the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity. Brazil, home to a large portion of the Amazon rainforest, has made progress in reducing deforestation, but global forest loss remains a pressing issue.
Landmark Climate Lawsuit Reaches Conclusion
The early months of 2025 will also see the culmination of a significant climate lawsuit. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to issue an advisory opinion on whether countries have a legal obligation to address climate damages. While non-binding, this ruling could influence courts worldwide and set a new legal precedent for holding governments accountable for climate inaction.
Satellite Monitoring and Environmental Data Advancements
The launch of new satellites in 2025 will provide unprecedented data on climate change and environmental degradation. In May, Europe will launch MicroCarb, the first European satellite dedicated to monitoring atmospheric CO2. This will enhance scientists' ability to track emissions and deforestation with high precision. The European Space Agency (ESA) is also preparing a more advanced satellite, CO2M, set for launch in 2026.
Plastic Pollution Negotiations Continue
Efforts to tackle plastic pollution will remain a key issue in 2025. Despite over two years of negotiations, countries failed to reach a global treaty on plastic waste in 2024. Talks are expected to resume in mid-2025, with debates centering on whether to limit plastic production or focus on waste management and recycling. With global plastic production continuing to rise, reaching a consensus will be crucial in addressing this environmental crisis.
COP30 in Brazil: A Crucial Climate Summit
In November, the world will turn its attention to COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, this summit is expected to address the next phase of global climate finance. In 2024, nations agreed to a new goal of mobilizing $300 billion annually for climate finance by 2035, but many developing countries argue this falls short of what is needed. COP30 will also focus on fossil fuel phase-out strategies, with Brazil calling on major economies to take stronger action.
Extreme Weather and Rising Global Temperatures
While global efforts to tackle climate change unfold, extreme weather events are expected to continue throughout 2025. The past year saw record-breaking temperatures, widespread wildfires, and devastating floods. Scientists predict 2025 will be among the hottest years on record, despite the cooling effects of the La Niña phenomenon. Research suggests that public opinion on climate change remains largely unaffected by extreme weather, particularly in the U.S., where political divisions persist.
Conclusion
With these major events on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a critical year for the future of climate action and nature conservation. Whether through political shifts, legal rulings, international summits, or environmental policies, the actions taken this year will play a crucial role in determining the trajectory of global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. As world leaders, scientists, and activists push for urgent solutions, the stakes have never been higher.