Fact-Check: Trump's Climate Change Claims at UN General Assembly
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Renewable Energy Claims
Trump asserted that solar and wind power "don't work" and are "too expensive," calling them a "joke." However, data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that renewables accounted for 40% of global electricity generation in 2024, with solar and wind contributing 16% of US electricity. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) noted that over 90% of new renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives, with solar photovoltaics 41% cheaper than fossil fuels in 2024. Trump also falsely claimed China relies on coal instead of wind power. In reality, China generated 20% of its electricity from solar and wind in 2024, though it remains the world's largest coal consumer.Paris Agreement and Climate Science
Trump criticized the Paris Agreement, calling it a "scam" and claiming the US paid "like $1 trillion" to join. Fact-checkers clarified that the US has never spent or committed $1 trillion to the accord, and Biden's climate financing pledges were far lower than Trump's exaggeration. The president also dismissed climate science, labeling it a "hoax made up by people with evil intentions." Scientists countered that the "carbon footprint" concept is rooted in basic physics, first demonstrated by Eunice Foote in 1850, and is supported by over 100,000 studies.Economic and Environmental Impact
Trump claimed renewable energy "costs jobs," but clean energy employment grew 3.5 times faster than the US economy in 2,024, adding over 500,000 jobs since 2019. He also falsely attributed Europe's heat deaths to "open borders," ignoring that Europe warmed twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s. The US Energy Information Administration noted that electricity prices in the US rose 6.2% in 2024, contradicting Trump's assertion that "our bills are coming way down.".Scientific Consensus and Policy Reversals
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and US National Climate Assessment confirm that human activities have "unequivocally caused global warming," with the US responsible for 24% of historical CO2 emissions. Trump's administration, however, rolled back environmental regulations, removed climate data from government websites, and commissioned a report downplaying climate change impacts. Climate scientist Rob Jackson warned that Trump's claim to call coal "clean" ignores its deadly health effects, including mercury emissions and particulate pollution.Conclusion
Trump's speech reflected a stark contrast between his rhetoric and the global scientific and economic realities. While he dismissed climate action as a "con job," the US and global leaders increasingly recognize the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy to mitigate climate risks. The UN and its member states continue to emphasize that "human activities have unequivocally caused global warming," underscoring the need for immediate policy reforms.Related articles
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