James Murray Business Green – Republican candidate sweeps swing states, raises prospect of US exiting global climate deal and stepping up investment in coal power.

Donald Trump has pulled off one of the biggest electoral shocks in US history, having swept the swing states that have secured a victory that leaves green business leaders and environmental campaigners fearing global decarbonisation efforts could be derailed over the next four years.

Trump defied pollsters to secure a raft of swing states, stitching together a coalition of life-long Republicans and disaffected working class voters in rustbelt states to surpass the 270 electoral college votes needed to make it to the White House. His rival Hillary Clinton conceded defeat this morning, prompting wild scenes at Trump’s campaign headquarters in New York. In his victory speech Trump dialled down the divisive rhetoric that has dominated his campaign, promising to be a President for all Americans and vowing to deliver a “national project of renewal” focused on infrastructure improvements and job creation.

“We will double our growth and have the strongest economy in the world,” he said. “At the same time, we will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us.” The Republican candidate shocked pollsters winning Florida, Iowa, Ohio and North Carolina, giving him a clear route to the victory. Commentators said Clinton could still narrowly win the popular vote, but she fell well short of the electoral college votes she required to win. Experts said votes for third parties, including the Green Party, could have handed the White House to Trump. The Republicans are expected to retain control of the House of Representatives, and could also retain control of the Senate, although they are likely to fall short of the super-majority they would need to rush through legislation. Stock markets around the world fell sharply on the news. A Trump victory will stoke fears globally that the US will now lead a fightback against international efforts to tackle climate change. Writing on Twitter, leading US environmental campaigner Bill McKibben said it had been a “hideous night”. Click here to read more … if you feel like being really depressed