Trump Exits Paris Agreement, Undermines Global Climate Progress

  • President Trump withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, jeopardising global climate efforts.
  • Increased oil and gas production takes priority, while support for renewables like wind energy and EVs diminishes.
  • Over 5,000 U.S. businesses and cities pledge to continue climate action despite the government’s exit.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the country from the Paris Agreement. The exit of the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases jeopardises global efforts to fight climate change.

Trump reversed key climate policies from his predecessor, Joe Biden. He now focuses on lowering energy costs by pushing for more oil and gas production. His administration rolled back support for wind power and electric vehicles (EVs). This move raises doubts about the U.S.’s previous pledge to cut emissions by 61-66% by 2035.

Countries face pressure to update their climate goals to achieve net-zero emissions. The U.S.’s decision to leave threatens to disrupt global progress, as the government is critical in shaping climate policies.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) recently reported a 1.55°C rise in global temperatures, marking the hottest year ever recorded. This temperature increase surpasses the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, intensifying fears over climate action.

More frequent extreme weather events, including hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts, impact daily life and businesses. Last year, a hurricane in the southeastern U.S. killed over 200 people. Meanwhile, wildfires have devastated parts of California since January.

Despite strong scientific evidence linking these disasters to climate change, Trump continues to dismiss the issue, calling it a “hoax.” The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that the next decade is crucial for limiting global warming. However, the U.S. withdrawal could derail international efforts.

The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement becomes official one year after notifying the U.N. In Trump’s first term, the withdrawal only lasted three months before Biden rejoined the pact. This time, the withdrawal could last at least three years, leaving the global community to negotiate without the U.S.

Trump also cut off U.S. funding to help developing nations adopt renewable energy and adapt to climate challenges. Developed countries agreed to triple their climate contributions to $300 billion annually by 2035. But without U.S. support, meeting this goal seems unlikely.

Delays in climate action from developing nations, where emissions continue to rise, add to concerns. In Europe, far-right movements opposing climate policies are gaining momentum, further complicating international efforts.

Despite the federal government’s exit, over 5,000 U.S. companies and cities committed to continuing their climate efforts. These groups represent 75% of the nation’s GDP. Even in Republican-led states like Texas and Iowa, wind energy continues to grow, proving that renewable energy adoption persists.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged the U.S. to remain committed to climate action and emphasised the need for the U.S. to remain a global leader in environmental efforts.

The upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil presents a critical opportunity for the global community to reaffirm its commitment to addressing climate change. Leaders must keep their efforts on track and balance environmental sustainability with economic growth.

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