Trump the environmentalist? How his Iran war exposed the fragility of dirty energy
The Guardian explores the argument that Donald Trump has become an 'accidental environmentalist' due to the geopolitical fallout of the US-Iran war. The conflict has disrupted oil supplies, prompting a global shift toward renewable energy sources to ensure energy security.
Why it matters
It highlights how geopolitical instability can inadvertently accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels.
The idea of Trump as an environmentalist, even an accidental one, may appear faintly absurd. Composite: AFP via Getty Images The idea of Trump as an environmentalist, even an accidental one, may appear faintly absurd. Composite: AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump Trump the environmentalist? How his Iran war exposed the fragility of dirty energy Gavin Newsom says Trump is a ‘gift’ to the climate cause for dispelling notions of fossil fuel energy security
Oliver Milman Thu 1 Oct 2026 07.30 EDT Last modified on Thu 1 Oct 2026 07.32 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Of all the epithets hurled at Donald Trump since he became US president, perhaps the most unusual was delivered last week – that he is, in fact, some sort of environmentalist.
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