Climate Talks in Dubai Overshadowed by Trump's Comeback Bid

The US officials at COP28 are facing skepticism from other nations due to concerns about the potential return of former President Donald Trump and the possibility of Republicans gaining power in Congress. Even if President Joe Biden remains in office after the 2024 elections, Republican gains could jeopardize clean energy incentives and hinder the delivery of promised climate finance. This threatens the US's credibility in the climate talks, as financial support and carbon cuts from the world's second-largest emitter are crucial for ambitious global efforts to phase out fossil fuels and scale up renewable alternatives. The risk of policy reversals and the fear of Trump damaging the credibility of the Paris Agreement loom over the negotiations. However, US officials argue that the private sector's investments in clean energy will continue regardless of political shifts.