WASHINGTON — The narrative surrounding the efforts to combat climate change is evolving. Clean energy advocates worldwide are shifting their focus from merely highlighting environmental concerns to emphasizing the economic advantages associated with green initiatives. This new approach resonates more effectively in today’s climate of nationalism and powerful leaders.
Traditionally, the messaging from the U.S. renewable energy sector and international organizations like the United Nations has concentrated on the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Supporters often refer to alarming statistics, such as unprecedented global temperatures, costly climate-related disasters, and the dire human consequences that accompany them.
However, a clear pivot in messaging has become notable since the arrival of President Donald Trump, marked by significant rollback on clean energy policies and a strong push to exploit oil, gas, and mining resources. During a recent lobbying event in Washington, representatives from various clean energy sectors—solar, wind, and hydropower—highlighted their contributions to a “robust American energy and manufacturing economy,” proudly donning badges that proclaimed “American energy dominance,” a phrase often associated with Trump.
On the international front, in a significant address in Brazil, the U.N.’s top climate official emphasized the $2 trillion investment in clean energy projects, reflecting on a friend’s insight regarding the limitations of appealing solely to people’s altruism. This friend advised focusing on self-interest with the phrase: “In the great horserace of life…always back self-interest…what’s in it for me?”
While proponents of clean energy have long argued its benefits, the current political climate, especially in the U.S., provides a fertile ground for their message. Bob Inglis, a former U.S. Representative from South Carolina and founder of the conservative climate initiative RepublicEN.org, pointed out that emphasizing profit could resonate well with conservative audiences. He noted that this focus could lead to substantial job creation and wealth generation in the U.S. through clean technologies, reminiscing about the innovative ventures of figures like Elon Musk in electric vehicles and renewable energy.
The employment potential of solar and wind energy has consistently been a key selling point, but there is a concerted effort to reframe self-interest from a negative connotation to a positive one, according to United Nations officials. Simon Stiell, during his address, described the $2 trillion in clean energy investment as “unstoppable” due to the immense economic possibilities it offers.
Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer acknowledged that climate change presents complex challenges; thus, if promoting self-interest can lead to progress on these solutions, it should be embraced. Throughout this week, industry leaders, including those from the Solar Energy Industries Association, have engaged lawmakers in over 100 congressional meetings, advocating for the maintenance of crucial tax incentives to keep their projects competitive globally.
The strategy aims at convincing legislators who may downplay climate issues but could be persuaded by economic arguments, as stated by Jessie Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition. Stolark explained that the approach has evolved from a focus on collective climate benefits to a greater emphasis on the economic and job opportunities inherent in clean energy initiatives.
Liz Beardsley, a senior policy advisor at the U.S. Green Building Council who participated in the lobbying efforts, noted that economic factors have consistently been integral to their messages, asserting that “doing good is also good for business.” Lisa Sachs, director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, remarked that framing climate action as solely for environmental reasons often lacks honesty. She appreciated the transparent and economic-driven discussions now taking place in the business and financial sectors, admitting that while this may not be a perfect solution from an environmental perspective, it remains a promising avenue for advancement under the current administration.
While the current President may be hard to persuade, his secretaries of Energy and Interior are accessible, noted Frank Maisano, a seasoned Washington advisor on energy matters. Joanna Depledge, a climate historian at Cambridge University, emphasized the need for a change in dialogue, suggesting that solely fixating on the climate crisis’s severity has proven ineffective.
