Following Donald Trump's election victory on November 8, 2024, Indian spiritual leader and environmental campaigner Sadhguru addressed Americans on November 17, 2024, emphasizing the urgent need to rejuvenate soil health in the United States. He pointed out that 52% of the world's soil is already degraded, which poses significant risks to farmer livelihoods, nutrition, and could lead to increased migration [bd288d2d].
Sadhguru criticized Trump's previous environmental rollbacks, arguing that economic concerns have often overshadowed ecological issues. He highlighted the critical role of soil in sustaining life, warning that soil extinction is imminent if not addressed. Currently, the U.S. averages only 1.2% organic content in agricultural land, far below the minimum of 3% he advocates for to ensure healthy soil [bd288d2d].
On January 7, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his proposal to allow companies investing over $1 billion in the U.S. to bypass certain environmental regulations, raising concerns among Catholic climate policy advocates. Bill O'Keefe from Catholic Relief Services emphasized the need for collaboration with the new administration while pushing for environmental goals. Trump criticized the National Environmental Policy Act and pledged to roll back regulations, stating that they hinder progress [aee55b11].
Dan Misleh from Catholic Climate Covenant expressed worries about increased fossil fuel use and the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy. Anna Johnson from the Laudato Si Movement highlighted the moral imperative of addressing climate issues, stressing that care for creation is a core tenet of faith. O'Keefe noted the connection between environmental and economic goals, referencing Pope Francis's teachings on the relationship between the environment and poverty [aee55b11].
Experts from the Asia Society Policy Institute suggest that U.S. foreign policy may shift towards the Indo-Pacific under Trump's administration, particularly in relation to climate initiatives, with India being a key partner [d9d13055]. Trump's focus on economic growth could clash with environmental sustainability, as his administration is expected to prioritize trade and manufacturing, potentially impacting environmental regulations [7f30ea6c].
In a recent analysis, John Feffer from Foreign Policy In Focus warned that Trump's domestic policies could have catastrophic impacts, particularly on immigrant communities, while his environmental policies threaten global life. He reported that Trump plans to divert $33 billion in unspent climate funds and cut EPA funding by 31 percent. Furthermore, Trump aims to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and possibly the UNFCCC, which could leave the U.S. out of these critical climate frameworks for at least three years [d8529449].
Feffer highlighted the contradiction of fossil fuel enthusiasm in a market leaning towards renewable energy, with Texas leading in wind and solar power production. Despite potential bipartisan opportunities in clean energy, he cautioned that time is not on the side of climate action under Trump's policies [d8529449].
Sadhguru's message underscores the need for a balanced approach that integrates economic development with ecological preservation, especially as the U.S. navigates its relationship with India and other nations in the face of climate change challenges. His advocacy for soil health aligns with broader global discussions on sustainability, particularly in light of upcoming international conferences like COP29, where climate policies will be a focal point [bd288d2d].
As the global landscape evolves under Trump's leadership, the implications for environmental policy and international cooperation on climate issues remain to be seen. The intersection of economic and ecological priorities will be critical in shaping the future of U.S.-India relations and global environmental efforts [7b23f15d]. Additionally, the concerns of younger Americans are significant, as 70% of those aged 18-29 prioritize climate change and are wary of Trump's potential return to power, which raises uncertainties for climate action and renewable energy initiatives [69d96a61].