That may sound counterintuitive. The Trump administration is no champion of green policies. But if you care about emissions, overconsumption and waste, there’s a case for optimism. First, the reordering of global trade is forcing companies to rethink supply chains. … Second, Mr. Trump’s recent move to end the de minimis tax exemption for low-value imports from China could curb America’s addiction to fast fashion and disposable goods …. Third, the U.S. remains deeply dependent on China for critical minerals such as rare-earth elements. … The U.S. can mitigate this vulnerability by investing in domestic rare-earth recycling infrastructure.
Environmentalists shouldn’t waste time hoping for a different political landscape. This is a moment for pragmatism. Mr. Trump’s trade policies might do more for the planet than a thousand environmental, social and governance reports. It’s rare for environmental objectives to align with the Trump administration’s strategic interests. We shouldn’t waste the opportunity to capitalize on it.
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