Five Ways Trump Made It Suddenly Harder to Face Climate Risks

Trump Rolls Back Biden’s Climate Resilience Orders

President Trump has rescinded several directives issued by President Biden aimed at bolstering the nation’s preparation and adaptation to climate change. These executive orders, signed in 2021, were designed to integrate climate considerations into national security strategies and protect vulnerable communities, among other initiatives.

Safeguarding the Nation

One of the orders mandated the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security to study the security implications of climate change and incorporate findings into defense strategy and other national security plans. This comprehensive assessment detailed potential threats like food shortages leading to social unrest, water resource conflicts, and increased migration due to climate-driven disasters. The rescission of this order raises concerns, given Mr. Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has publicly dismissed climate change as a government control effort.

Keeping the Government Running

Another executive order required each federal agency to report publicly the climate risks to their facilities and operations, along with mitigation plans and progress. This transparency initiative helped expose vulnerabilities, such as threatening floods at Smithsonian museums. Under President Trump, agencies are no longer obligated to assess or address their climate exposure.

Understanding Climate Risks to Home Insurance

Biden also instructed the Treasury Department to examine climate threats to home insurance. The subsequent report revealed that climate change is already increasing insurance costs and reducing coverage, particularly in disaster-prone areas. This could drive down home prices and limit mortgage access, affecting the housing market. The revoked order now halts annual tracking of this deteriorating market.

Flood-Proofing Federal Projects

President Biden reinforced Obama’s policy requiring federal agencies to avoid investing in flood-prone projects. FEMA and HUD even mandated elevation or relocation of such projects. However, homebuilders opposed the rule, arguing it raised costs and infringed on local decision-making. With the revocation, other agencies are unlikely to enforce similar flood standards.

Aiding Vulnerable Communities

Biden directed that at least 40 percent of certain federal investments in clean energy and climate resilience go to disadvantaged minority communities disproportionately affected by pollution. Critics argued this was a form of reverse discrimination, but research shows these communities are more vulnerable to climate hazards and less likely to receive federal aid. Mr. Trump’s revocation ends this targeted assistance.