US Decision to Withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement
On Monday, January 20, 2025, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision was made in front of his supporters gathered at the Capital One Arena in Washington, where Trump signed an executive order officially ending US participation in the international pact. Trump stated that the agreement was unfair and one-sided, emphasizing that the US would not sacrifice its industries while countries like China continue to pollute without consequences.
History of United States Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
This is not the first time Trump has taken such a step. In his first term as president in 2017, Trump also pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement. However, President Joe Biden reversed this decision in 2021, bringing the US back into the agreement. This second withdrawal has reignited discussions about the US's commitment to addressing climate change on the global stage.
The Paris Climate Agreement and Its Impact
The Paris Climate Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This will prevent the harmful effects of climate change, such as extreme heat waves, floods, and ecosystem destruction. With this withdrawal, the US will join several other countries that have already opted out of the agreement, including Iran, Libya, and Yemen.
Trump Focuses on Boosting US Energy Industry
Trump's decision to withdraw from the agreement is closely tied to his pro-industry energy policy. He is committed to increasing US oil and gas production, including through methods like hydraulic fracturing (fracking), which has significant environmental impacts. Under this policy, Trump has also rolled back regulations imposed by previous administrations to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Global Impact of the US Withdrawal
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is likely to further hinder global efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change. Paul Watkinson, a former negotiator for the Paris Agreement, stated that this move will make it more difficult to achieve emission reduction targets, especially given the US's position as the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world after China. Additionally, a UN report shows that if emissions are not curtailed, global temperatures could rise by as much as 3.1 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, leading to severe consequences such as more frequent and destructive extreme weather events.
Comparing Trump’s Policy with Joe Biden’s Approach
Trump's policy stands in stark contrast to that of President Joe Biden, who is committed to leading global efforts to address climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy. In contrast, Trump focuses on strengthening the economy by supporting the energy industry and rolling back environmental regulations. This policy divergence adds to the tension in US climate policy and impacts the country's role in international climate efforts.
Global Challenges Following Trump’s Decision
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement presents a significant challenge to global efforts to combat climate change. While several countries remain committed to meeting emission reduction targets, the role of major countries like the US is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change. As the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, this decision could worsen the ongoing climate crisis and impede progress toward a sustainable future.
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