The Top 10 Climate and Environmental Setbacks of Trump's Second Term

A look at the Trump environmental rollbacks that are reshaping climate policy, conservation efforts, and America’s role in addressing climate change.

Key Takeaways

The Trump administration has implemented a series of environmental rollbacks affecting climate policy, scientific research, and conservation programs.
Many of these changes involve greenhouse gas regulations, clean energy initiatives, and international climate commitments.
Supporters argue the policies promote economic growth and energy independence, while critics warn they could increase long-term environmental risks.
Together, these actions represent one of the most significant shifts in U.S. environmental policy in decades.

Earth Day 2026 may have passed, but the environmental debates that defined it continue to shape public policy around the world.

Over the past year, the Trump administration has pursued a series of environmental rollbacks aimed at reducing regulations, expanding domestic energy production, and scaling back climate initiatives.

Because the United States remains one of the world’s largest economies and greenhouse gas emitters, these decisions extend far beyond Washington and influence global conversations around climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

Supporters view these policies as necessary to strengthen economic growth and energy security. Critics argue they could slow climate progress at a time when scientists continue to warn about ecological overshoot, biodiversity loss, and a planet increasingly out of balance.

The following ten actions represent some of the most consequential climate and environmental policy changes of Trump’s second term.

Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement: For the second time, the United States began the process of withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, the landmark international framework designed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Critics argue the move weakens international climate cooperation and reduces U.S. leadership on climate issues.

Rolling Back the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding: The administration moved to dismantle the 2009 EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. Because this finding serves as the legal foundation for many federal climate regulations, its removal could significantly reshape future climate policy.

Eliminating Federal Vehicle Emissions Standards: The administration has sought to weaken or eliminate greenhouse gas standards for passenger vehicles, reversing efforts intended to reduce transportation emissions. Transportation remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in the United States.

Expanding Fossil Fuel Development: The administration has accelerated oil, gas, and coal development across multiple regions while emphasizing energy production as a national priority. Critics argue the strategy increases long-term climate risks while delaying the transition toward lower-carbon energy sources.

Supporting Coal Industry Expansion: Federal actions aimed at supporting coal production and coal-fired power generation have marked a significant shift from previous efforts focused on reducing coal dependence. Environmental groups argue these policies prolong reliance on one of the most carbon-intensive energy sources.

Reducing Climate Research Capacity: The administration has scaled back several climate research initiatives and reduced support for programs that monitor and assess climate impacts. Scientists warn that limiting climate research could make it more difficult to understand emerging environmental risks.

Removing Climate Data Resources: Several federal climate information resources have been modified, reduced, or discontinued. Critics argue that limiting access to climate data makes it harder for communities, businesses, and policymakers to prepare for future environmental challenges.

Weakening Environmental Review Processes: Changes to environmental review requirements have streamlined permitting for energy and infrastructure projects. Supporters view the reforms as a way to accelerate development, while critics warn they could reduce environmental oversight.

Scaling Back Habitat and Species Protections: The administration has supported efforts to reduce or remove protections for certain species and habitats associated with energy-producing regions. Conservation organizations argue these decisions could increase pressure on already vulnerable ecosystems.

Reducing U.S. Participation in International Climate Efforts: Beyond the Paris Agreement, the administration has reduced engagement with several international climate-related initiatives and organizations. Critics argue that climate change is inherently a global challenge requiring coordinated international action.

What It Means for the Planet

Viewed individually, each of these actions represents a policy choice. Viewed collectively, they reveal a broader shift in how the federal government approaches climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability.

This year, we have explored climate tipping points, biodiversity decline, worsening droughts, extreme weather, sea level rise, ecological overshoot, and the growing evidence that many Earth systems are operating under increasing stress. The debate surrounding these policies reinforces how we need to balance economic priorities with the long-term health of the environmental systems upon which they depend.

Regardless of political affiliation, the consequences of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion will continue to shape the future of communities around the world.

One Planet. One Domain.

As the Earth Day 2026 campaign continues, the message behind One Planet. One Domain. Remains as relevant as ever.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and environmental degradation do not recognize political boundaries. They are challenges shared across a single interconnected planetary system.

A .earth domain provides organizations with a way to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, resilience, and long-term stewardship while connecting with a global community focused on protecting our shared future.

Registrar Partners Taking Part in the Earth Day 2026 Promotion

A growing number of registrar partners are participating in this year’s Earth Day campaign, including:

These partners are helping bring the Earth Day 2026 promotion to a global audience, making it easier for organizations and individuals to align their digital identity with a more sustainable future.

To learn more and get started, visit Voices.Earth, and check out the latest Voices.Earth podcast series for inspiring stories from our community.

The Top 10 Climate and Environmental Setbacks of Trump’s Second Term