U.S. Abandons Paris Agreement Again Under Trump Second Term \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement during his second-term inauguration, repeating his 2017 decision to leave the global pact. The move has drawn widespread criticism from climate experts, allies, and activists who warn of its impact on global efforts to combat climate change. Despite significant opposition domestically and internationally, Trump has framed the decision as prioritizing American economic interests over environmental obligations.
Trump Withdraws U.S. from Paris Climate Accord: Quick Looks
- Renewed Withdrawal: Trump announces U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement, echoing his 2017 move.
- Paris Pact Goals: The agreement seeks to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.
- Global Criticism: Experts warn of increased climate risks and diminished U.S. leadership.
- Domestic Opinion: Polls show most Americans oppose leaving the Paris accord.
- Historical Context: The U.S. is the second-largest annual carbon emitter and the top historical contributor.
Deep Look
President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his stance against the Paris climate agreement, announcing the United States’ withdrawal from the landmark pact on his first day of his second term. This decision mirrors his controversial 2017 move to exit the accord, a choice that had profound implications for global climate diplomacy. As one of the world’s largest emitters of carbon dioxide, the U.S. plays a critical role in efforts to curb global warming, and Trump’s announcement has reignited debates over America’s responsibility and leadership on the world stage.
The Paris Agreement: Goals and Commitments
Adopted in 2015, the Paris climate agreement is a voluntary framework designed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Participating nations set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are intended to become more ambitious over time.
The outgoing Biden administration pledged a 60% reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, aligning with the global push for clean energy and decarbonization. The next round of targets is due in February 2025, leaving uncertainty about the U.S. role under Trump’s leadership.
Global Context: Criticism and Concern
Trump’s announcement has drawn sharp criticism from climate experts, international leaders, and activists. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and one of the architects of the Paris Agreement, described the decision as “unfortunate” but maintained that global climate action has gained momentum since Trump’s initial withdrawal in 2017.
“The impacts of the climate crisis are worsening,” Tubiana said, pointing to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles as evidence that climate change affects Americans as much as anyone else.
Simon Stiell, the U.N.’s climate change executive secretary, warned that disengagement from the Paris accord would cost the U.S. economically and environmentally. “Ignoring it only sends all that vast wealth to competitor economies, while climate disasters like droughts, wildfires, and superstorms keep getting worse,” Stiell said.
Economic Implications of Climate Action
Global markets for clean energy are expanding rapidly, with the International Energy Agency projecting the sector to triple to $2 trillion by 2035. Critics argue that Trump’s withdrawal risks sidelining the U.S. from this economic boom, giving nations like China and the European Union a competitive edge in clean energy innovation and manufacturing.
Gina McCarthy, a former White House climate adviser under Joe Biden, emphasized the job creation potential of clean energy industries. “Clean technologies are driving down energy costs for people across our country,” McCarthy said. She urged Trump to focus on fostering growth in these sectors.
Historical Role of U.S. Carbon Emissions
Although China is currently the largest annual emitter of carbon dioxide, the United States remains the leading historical contributor, responsible for nearly 22% of global emissions since 1950. In 2023, the U.S. emitted 4.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, down 11% from a decade earlier, reflecting incremental progress in reducing emissions.
Carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere for centuries, meaning past emissions continue to drive current warming. The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement has led to concerns that the country is shirking its responsibility as a historical emitter, potentially undermining collective global efforts.
Domestic Opinion: A Divided Public
Polling data reveals that a majority of Americans oppose withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. According to an Associated Press-NORC poll, about half of Americans “somewhat” or “strongly” oppose leaving the accord, with only 2 in 10 expressing support.
While Democrats overwhelmingly favor staying in the agreement, Republicans display mixed opinions. Slightly less than half support withdrawal, with a notable fraction expressing opposition or neutrality.
Global Reactions: A Stark Contrast to 2017
When Trump first announced the U.S. withdrawal in 2017, the decision shocked and angered global leaders. However, the response this time has been more tempered. Alden Meyer, a climate policy analyst, noted that no other country followed the U.S. in exiting the accord after Trump’s first withdrawal. Instead, nations doubled down on their commitments, with businesses, governors, and mayors in the U.S. also pledging to uphold the Paris goals independently.
Still, experts lament the absence of U.S. leadership, particularly as the world faces increasingly severe climate impacts, including record heat, wildfires, and hurricanes. Bill McKibben, a climate activist and author, described the U.S. withdrawal as a missed opportunity to lead. “For the next few years, the best we can hope is that Washington won’t manage to wreck the efforts of others,” McKibben said.
Future Challenges Under Trump’s Leadership
The withdrawal process from the Paris accord takes one year, meaning Trump’s decision will formally take effect in early 2025. Experts fear that a second Trump term could lead to deeper disengagement from international climate efforts, making it harder for future administrations to rejoin and meet ambitious targets.
This risk extends beyond the U.S., as Trump’s actions could embolden other nations, particularly China, to ease their own commitments. Given the urgent need for collective action, the absence of U.S. leadership could stall progress at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change.
Conclusion
President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement represents a significant step back from global climate leadership. While critics warn of the economic and environmental consequences, supporters argue the move prioritizes American interests.
As climate disasters escalate and the global transition to clean energy accelerates, Trump’s actions underscore a critical divide in the world’s approach to addressing the climate crisis. Whether the U.S. can reclaim its role as a leader in global climate action remains uncertain.
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