Environmental Human Rights in the Trump Era: Modes of Resistance and Reform

Abstract

The ecological ramifications of the Trump administration may well prove catastrophic. Climate change denial and problematic fossil fuel positions featured prominently in the President’s campaign; post-election, far-right nominations and policy stances have seemingly confirmed the administration’s dire trajectory. Thus, environmental human rights—i.e., normative guarantees inter alia to clean water and air—are imperiled in the U.S., perhaps especially in subordinated regions like Appalachia. Critically informed local activism approaches, however, will likely constitute the most effective eco-reform modes under the Trump regime.