Clean Energy Revolution Surges Ahead of Trump's Climate Policies

Clean Energy Revolution Outpaces Trump Administration's Climate Policies The clean energy revolution is gaining momentum, with solar and wind power becoming the world's cheapest energy sources, according to a recent report by environmental activist and writer Bill McKibben. Despite the Trump administration's efforts to roll back climate progress, many cities, towns, and countries are transitioning to renewable energy, outrunning the administration's policies. McKibben, who has been a vocal critic of the administration's climate stance, notes that "the sun is not going to wait for us" to take action on climate change. He attributes the rapid growth of clean energy to technological advancements and decreasing costs, making it more competitive with fossil fuels. "It's not just about being green; it's about being smart," McKibben said in an interview. The shift towards renewable energy is evident globally. According to a report by BloombergNEF, solar and wind power accounted for 60% of new electricity generation capacity added worldwide in 2025. Many cities, such as Copenhagen and Vancouver, have set ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2030. Even some countries, like Costa Rica, are aiming to be powered entirely by renewable energy. The Trump administration's efforts to roll back climate regulations and promote fossil fuels have been met with resistance from many states and local governments. California, for example, has implemented its own cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "We're not waiting for the federal government to take action," said a spokesperson for the California Air Resources Board. The clean energy revolution is also driven by economic factors. As costs continue to decline, renewable energy becomes more competitive with fossil fuels. A report by Wood Mackenzie found that solar and wind power are now cheaper than coal in many parts of the world. "The math is on our side," said McKibben. "We can't afford not to transition to clean energy." Despite these developments, challenges remain. The Trump administration's policies continue to undermine climate progress, and many experts worry about the impact of a potential second term. However, as McKibben notes, "the clean energy revolution is unstoppable." With technological advancements and decreasing costs, it's likely that renewable energy will continue to grow, even if the administration's policies hinder its progress. Background: The Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of climate change, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and rolling back regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. However, many states and local governments have taken action to reduce their carbon footprint and promote renewable energy. Additional Perspectives: "The clean energy revolution is a testament to human ingenuity and determination," said Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University. "We're seeing a fundamental shift in the way we think about energy production," said Michael Liebreich, founder of BloombergNEF. Current Status: As of 2025, solar and wind power account for 60% of new electricity generation capacity added worldwide. Many cities and countries are setting ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2030 or earlier. Next Developments: The clean energy revolution is expected to continue growing, with many experts predicting that renewable energy will become the dominant source of energy globally within the next few decades. However, challenges remain, including the need for infrastructure upgrades and policy support to ensure a smooth transition. *Reporting by Vox.*