Donald Trump + Boris Johnson = climate catastrophe

Climate denial

Both the leaders have shown exceptional interest in denying the existence in climate change. Trump's climate denial needs no introduction (read this if you still want one). Boris Johnson is also known for an article he wrote in Telegraph in 2013, where he questioned climate science.

Johnson's role is a bit ambiguous because as Mayor of London he had participated in the Paris climate conference last year, including meeting mayors from around the world to find ways to make cities sustainable. But if the Brexit voters are anything to go by, Johnson may not be too favourable to the climate. Brexit has already given a fillip to climate deniers, both Johnson and Trump in power would be a major boost.

Also read - Brexit is on: Britain votes to leave the EU - experts respond

Promoting fracking

Both Trump and Johnson are in favour of fracking - a method to extract natural gas (shale gas). Although gas is a non-polluting source of energy, fracking itself emits large amounts of greenhouse gases, besides polluting water sources. Studies that forecasted found that overall CO2 emissions will rise with the higher availability of cheaper shale. In December 2015, Johnson as mayor allowed fracking in national parks.

Changing politics

The UK, although a minor emitter, is a major economy. Its position at international climate negotiations was so far within the European Union. Now that it's outside, UK will be a separate entity to deal with. If a climate skeptic like Johnson becomes PM, that can mean nuisance value. The UK can join the 'Umbrella group', a developed nations lobby in the UN climate conferences, of which the US is a member.

Also read - In numbers: the few gains and many losses from Brexit

Changing commitments

Before the Paris Agreement, countries had to submit their individual commitments to cut global warming, known as Intended Nationally Determined Contribution or INDC. The EU gave an INDC for all its members. UK would need to submit its own, and if Johnson wishes, these will can be less ambitious. Worse, the new government can ignore these commitments altogether, since they are not legally binding.

Uncertain future of Paris agreement

Trump has said that he will cancel the Paris Agreement. The UK has not yet ratified the Paris Agreement, and the Brexit will likely delay the process. Once the new establishment in in place, it's an open question where the ratification would be on Johnson's priority list.