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Trump Calls Climate Change a "Con Job" at UN Summit

9/26/2025

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Summary

Trump Denounces Climate Change

President Trump, at the UN, labeled climate change "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world" and criticized climate initiatives.
He claimed UN and scientists were wrong and attributed warming to a cooling trend.
Backlash followed from climate scientists and environmental advocates; meanwhile, a UN summit saw nations set targets as clean-energy investments rise led by China.

Summary

Xi Jinping Commits Emission Cuts

Xi Jinping announced China’s target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% by 2035, marking its first concrete reduction commitment.
He criticized the U.S. for leaving the Paris Agreement and urged developed nations to lead on climate action.
Australia pledged a 62-70% reduction by 2035; Palau targets 44% from 2015 levels, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged urgent action.

History

Historical Context

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, united 195 countries to combat climate change, with the U.S. committing to reduce emissions by 26-28% by 2025 under President Obama. However, President Trump's withdrawal from climate initiatives marked a significant policy shift, contrasting with China's pledge to cut emissions by 7-10% by 2035, underscoring ongoing tensions in global climate leadership.

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Trump Denounces Climate Change

President Trump, at the UN, labeled climate change "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world" and criticized climate initiatives.
He claimed UN and scientists were wrong and attributed warming to a cooling trend.
Backlash followed from climate scientists and environmental advocates; meanwhile, a UN summit saw nations set targets as clean-energy investments rise led by China.

1 / 3