Donald Trump calls climate change a hoax — but 70% of Americans want global action & support the Paris agreement; here's what we know

Time of India

5 hours ago

A recent international survey has found that 70% of Americans support global climate policies aimed at reducing global warming. This public opinion sharply contrasts with the federal stance under current US President Donald Trump, who withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement soon after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Trump cited that the agreement did not align with US values or its approach to balancing economic and environmental goals.
Majority of Americans prefer global action on climate
The global survey was co-authored by researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. It involved over 40,000 participants across 20 countries that together contribute to about 75% of the world's carbon emissions. When asked where policies to address climate change should be implemented, 70% of US respondents selected the "global level", according to the report published by PTI.
In a separate 2023 survey of 8,000 people from both the United States and the European Union, participants supported the idea of carbon pricing. They approved of a system where carbon would be priced at USD 90 per ton by 2030, with adults receiving a global monthly reimbursement of USD 30 per person.
US President Donald Trump | Credit: X
Trump maintains climate change is a 'Hoax'
President Donald Trump's stance on climate change has remained consistent with his earlier views from his first term in 2017. He has frequently referred to climate change as 'mythical', 'nonexistent', or an 'expensive hoax,' as reported by the BBC.
Under his administration, the US pulled out of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which included commitments by 188 countries to limit the rise in global temperatures to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Trump also reversed several key environmental policies introduced by former President Barack Obama.
Key environmental rollbacks under Trump administration
Among other measures, Trump dismantled Obama's Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce carbon emissions from coal and gas-based power plants. It was replaced with the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which had less stringent emission regulations.
In addition, Trump attempted to freeze federal fuel efficiency standards for new vehicles and tried to restrict California from enforcing its own tougher emissions rules, according to the BBC.
What is global climate policy?
Global climate policy consists of coordinated international actions to combat the effects of climate change. It includes initiatives like emission reduction targets, adaptation measures, and agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord. These policies often require collaboration between governments, institutions, and civil society to address climate issues on a global scale.