Michael Smolens: Clean energy politics heat up for GOP, but it’s not about climate change
Republican senators seek to reverse cuts in renewable energy tax credits that could hurt their states as global warming continues apace.
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Hosted to coincide and complement the main agenda of COP29, FTSessions @COP will host debates and discussions which will evaluate and reflecte on negotiations, announcements and agreements taking place during COP29.
The geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have triggered major disruptions in energy markets, leading to a reinvestment in fossil fuels as countries prioritise short-term energy security over long-term decarbonization. Trade tensions and protectionist policies can drive up the costs of renewable energy technologies, making it harder for countries to transition to cleaner energy sources, disproportionately affecting vulnerable regions that are more reliant on affordable renewable technology and financing from developed nations. Rising tensions and a fractured international landscape are threatening the coordination needed for global climate action, further delaying the energy transition.
Tasneem Essop, Executive Director, Climate Action Network International
Rana Ghoneim, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO
Robert Johnston, Senior Director of Research, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University
Jeff Oatham, Chief Sustainability Officer, DTEK
Pilita Clark, Columnist, Financial Times
The Trump administration reportedly plans to cut the program, just as electricity demand is rising in the United States due to the rise in data centers and AI.
En route back to NYC now following a fascinating and very productive week in India with the Center on Global Energy Policy India program, led by Shayak Sengupta, and our colleagues Trevor Sutton and Dave Turk.
Trade war and cleantech retreat are threats to US producers and may boost Beijing
President Donald Trump's first official foreign policy trip, as in his first term, was to Saudi Arabia earlier this month, with additional stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
President Donald Trump’s second term has begun with sweeping changes, just as the candidate promised: tariffs instituted against allies and adversaries alike, budgets and programs cut, and entire agencies shuttered.
The critical minerals executive order signed by President Trump on March 20, 2025, aims to significantly increase domestic production of critical minerals within the United States.