Trump’s War on Clean Energy Takes Aim at Solar and Renewables

US President Donald Trump is waging a fierce battle against the growth of renewable energy, particularly solar power. A recent visit to San Jose, California, showed how clean energy can be harnessed effectively in the US. Sunrun, a leading residential solar firm, helps consumers manage their energy services across 22 states.

A customer in Silicon Valley expressed his enthusiasm for Sunrun’s solar panels and battery systems, citing their reliability during power outages as a major advantage. He also mentioned that it’s cheaper than relying on local utilities.

However, the situation is not as rosy elsewhere. In Europe, a hard-right faction is pushing against the continent’s climate consensus, causing concerns among environmentalists. The US has also seen a decline in climate research funding, sparking debates about the importance of scientific data.

Meanwhile, there are questions surrounding the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on global economic growth. Experts warn that AI could disrupt markets and labor forces, leading to an all-or-nothing approach to its development. This raises concerns about safety and potential drawbacks.

Source: https://www.economist.com/briefing/2025/07/31/donald-trumps-war-on-renewables