The second term of US President Donald Trump’s presidency has been characterized by a whirlwind of chaotic and contradictory actions, leaving observers struggling to keep pace with the constant barrage of shocks emanating from various sectors. This relentless churn has unfortunately obscured critical policy issues, particularly the urgent global challenge of the climate emergency, relegating them to the sidelines of public discourse.
Trump’s appointment of Lee Zeldin to the US Environmental Protection Agency has ushered in an era of reckless dismantling of key climate protection provisions. Zeldin’s boastful declaration of “driving a dagger through the heart of the climate change religion” underscores the administration’s dismissive attitude towards climate science. Tragically, the dramatic events unfolding in other arenas have effectively diverted attention from this alarming shift in US environmental policy, allowing it to proceed largely unchallenged in many quarters.
The characterization of climate change as a “religion” starkly contrasts with the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting its reality. The world’s leading experts recognize climate change as a serious threat requiring urgent action. Current global measures to mitigate global warming, including those implemented in the US and Ireland, are not excessive, but rather fall far short of what is necessary to address the escalating crisis. As Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized, the consequences of inaction by wealthy nations disproportionately impact vulnerable populations in disadvantaged regions.
Ireland, too, has consistently fallen short of meeting even the modest carbon emission reduction targets set by the EU. The recently presented 2025 Climate Action Plan offers little reassurance that the country is on track to bridge this gap. Unlike the US, where climate change denial poses a significant obstacle, Ireland’s climate policy is hampered by indifference, procrastination, and a focus on misleading short-term actions.
The aftermath of Storm Éowyn, a prime example of the intensified and increasingly frequent extreme weather events driven by climate change, highlights this short-sighted approach. Instead of sparking a much-needed debate on mitigating future risks, the post-storm response largely centered on the often indiscriminate removal of trees near roads and power lines. While the danger posed by falling trees is undeniable and some felling is necessary, the irony of reacting to storms by reducing the very vegetation that sequesters carbon and mitigates climate change cannot be overlooked. Ireland needs more strategic and well-planned forestry, not symbolic gestures.
Both domestically and internationally, it is imperative to prioritize science-based evidence on climate change and resist the distractions posed by the rampant disinformation campaigns seeking to undermine the climate agenda. Addressing the climate crisis requires a concerted effort grounded in scientific understanding, responsible policymaking, and a commitment to long-term solutions, rather than reactive measures that exacerbate the problem. The time for indifference and procrastination is over; decisive action is needed now to safeguard the planet’s future.