US President Donald Trump's latest trade policies are not just shaking up the global economy but are also dealing a blow to efforts aimed at tackling climate change. His administration has imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 34% on imports, affecting major economies like China, the European Union, and Australia.

While these tariffs might slow economic growth—historically linked to increased greenhouse gas emissions—the long-term outlook for climate action is concerning. The shift toward domestic manufacturing in the US could lead to higher emissions-intensive production, undermining global progress in reducing carbon footprints.

Trump’s broader tariff strategy threatens to deepen global economic troubles, potentially stalling investments in renewable energy. The last major trade war between the US and China in 2018-2019 already demonstrated the negative impact on global GDP, and this time, the consequences could be even more severe.

Although economic slowdowns can temporarily lower emissions, a prolonged shift toward less efficient domestic manufacturing risks increasing overall carbon output. With global trade under pressure, supply chains for key renewable energy technologies could be disrupted, further delaying the transition to cleaner energy sources.

As governments prioritize economic stability over climate commitments, there is growing concern that Trump's tariff measures will slow the world’s progress toward decarbonization, making the fight against climate change even more challenging.