WASHINGTON, November 6, 2024 — Donald J. Trump has been reelected to serve as the 47th President of the United States, promising an assault on environmental protections, immigrant communities, and fundamental rights. His agenda — now backed by significant control of the government — includes a reversal of climate-related regulations, undertaking the most extensive deportation of immigrants in US history, a regressive overhaul of federal health and education policies, and significant erosion of rights for women and the LGBTQ+ community.
This outcome has profound implications for the future of environmental protection, climate action, and human rights in the US and globally.
During his prior presidency, Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement, expanded fossil fuel production, and rolled back essential health and environmental regulations. In his bid to return to the White House, he has pledged to extend dependence on fossil fuels, slash climate-forward policies, stifle renewable energy growth, and roll back governmental protections for everyone — especially those who need them most. These priorities are in stark contrast to the actions urgently needed to stop climate change and protect the rights, safety, and health of frontline and vulnerable communities within the US and worldwide.
The Center for International Environmental Law issues the following statement on the reelection of Donald Trump:
“CIEL remains steadfastly committed to safeguarding democracy, protecting the unfettered right to participate in decision-making (including voting), defending the rule of law, challenging disinformation, and eliminating corporate capture — all of which are crucial in our fight to defend human rights and the environment today and create a livable future for all.
“There is no denying that today is a difficult day in already bleak times. The challenges we face, while now intensified, did not start today and will not be solved tomorrow. Our work continues and takes new forms as we respond to emboldened threats: by defending human rights, building new and stronger alliances to protect the most vulnerable, and fighting to prevent Trump’s cruel and regressive plans.
“In the United States and beyond, we refuse to let hateful rhetoric and divisive tactics obscure our common humanity or allow a climate of fear to derail our efforts to tackle climate change and global pollution. We refuse to let anti-science, anti-government spin and lies undermine the power of collective action, the need for regulation, and the importance of justice and accountability. We will work with allies across civil society and other governments to scale up global commitment to the rule of law and to a healthy environment — even as the US threatens to take a dramatic isolationist turn.
“The antidote to a power that feeds on fear and division is to redouble our commitment to community, movement building, and our shared vision for peace and for the planet, starting with the communities that are most marginalized and in the most vulnerable situations. CIEL has always been deeply committed to this work. At this moment, we are especially inspired by the generations of people who have found the courage to confront abuses of power and demand justice in the most challenging situations.
“We will roll up our sleeves, unite, resist, and continue our mission to protect the right to a healthy environment and the dignity and equality of each person.”
Media Contact
For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:
Maria Frausto, Communications Director, at press@ciel.org.