U.S. President Donald Trump has once again withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. During a speech at the Capital One Arena, he signed the necessary decrees, fulfilling a campaign promise.
The move is seen as a symbolic step in reversing or weakening Biden’s climate policies. Although the decision has drawn international attention, it is not unexpected.
Trump first exited the agreement in 2017 during his initial term and made clear in his recent campaign that the 2015 Paris Agreement was “the most unfair document ever seen,” and should be disregarded. Trump’s cabinet members, including his nominee for Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, and his nominee for Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, support his decision, advocating for increased oil production.
Despite this, major oil companies like Shell and Exxon Mobil have urged Trump to remain in the agreement, citing the need for stable government policies. Experts warn that the U.S. withdrawal could impact global efforts against climate change, as the agreement relies on solidarity.
However, the agreement is not expected to collapse, as other countries did not follow the U.S. in 2017. Trump’s successor, Biden, re-entered the agreement in 2021.
This time, Trump can expedite the withdrawal process, unlike in 2017. Former President Biden recently announced an ambitious climate goal, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 61 to 66 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, a goal the Trump administration is likely to discard.
The actions of other countries are uncertain, as the largest economy’s lack of ambitious climate targets may not inspire increased efforts, especially following the climate summit in Azerbaijan.
Source: NOS