In a speech that has sent ripples across the international community, President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025, dismissing climate change as the “biggest global hoax.” This pronouncement, consistent with his long-held skepticism, represents a stark departure from the scientific consensus and the collaborative efforts of most world nations.
Trump’s comments come at a time when the effects of a changing climate are increasingly evident globally, from rising temperatures and severe storms to melting ice caps. The scientific community has repeatedly affirmed that these phenomena are real and largely driven by human activities, a view supported by a vast body of research. Organizations like the UN have urgently warned that prolonged inaction could lead to devastating consequences for the planet and humanity.
During his lengthy address, the president dedicated several minutes to his critique of climate change policies, specifically targeting the European Union for its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Trump argued that these initiatives were harming the EU’s economy and warned other countries that a heavy investment in renewable energy could similarly damage their financial stability. This perspective aligns with his administration’s focus on “energy dominance,” which prioritizes the production and export of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal, along with nuclear energy.
The president also claimed that many of the forecasts made by the UN and other organizations regarding climate change have been “wrong,” suggesting they are driven by “nefarious reasons.” This broad dismissal of expert predictions echoes his administration’s broader policy of sidelining renewable energy and promoting traditional energy sources.
Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has taken concrete steps to dismantle international climate commitments, most notably by withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement for a second time. This pact, which unites 195 nations in the goal of keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius, now stands without the participation of the world’s largest historical carbon emitter.
The international reaction to Trump’s comments has been swift and critical. World leaders and climate scientists have pushed back, reaffirming that the scientific evidence for climate change is undeniable. They point to the ongoing global investment in renewable energy, which continues to grow despite U.S. policy shifts, as proof that the world is moving forward. Leaders from nations vulnerable to climate change, particularly small island states, have expressed deep concern, arguing that Trump’s rhetoric undermines critical global cooperation.
Despite the U.S. federal government’s stance, many American states, cities, and businesses continue to pursue their own climate goals, demonstrating a decentralized but persistent commitment to a low-carbon future. As the world gears up for the 2025 UN Climate Summit, the international community appears determined to press ahead with climate action, even as one of its most powerful members continues to question the very premise of the crisis.
