By Sumatee Nakarmi
President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement has sparked widespread worry and anger. This decision, following his previous announcement in 2017, is significant for international climate initiatives and diplomatic relations.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was approved in December 2015, marking a turning point in global climate collaboration. Its main objective was to limit global temperatures from increasing by more than 2°C over pre-industrial levels. Each participating country publishes national climate action plans, also known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), stating its objectives and strategies for action.
In June 2017, President Trump announced his intention to withdraw, claiming it would be detrimental to American businesses and workers. Environmentalists, foreign leaders and even many Americans immediately condemned this, viewing it as a setback to global climate leadership.
A party cannot formally start the withdrawal procedure until three years after the agreement becomes operative for that party, according to the conditions of the agreement. As of 4th November 2019, the United States was able to file its withdrawal notification after the agreement on 4th November 2016. This process was started by Trump, and the United States was formally scheduled to withdraw from the accord.
In January 2021, Joe Biden quickly reversed this decision. Biden issued an order to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement on his first day in office, to re-establish the United States as a participant in an international climate initiative.
Trump’s recent declaration that he intends to withdraw from the accord has sparked new worries. His viewpoint exemplifies the ongoing divide in American politics over climate policy, with some advocating a more aggressive plan to reduce carbon emissions and others prioritising economic considerations.
In addition to being one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse emissions and having a long history of leading international diplomacy, the US’ involvement in the Paris Climate Agreement is critical. To achieve its goals, the Paris Climate Agreement relies heavily on international collaboration and mutual trust.
If Trump’s threat to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is followed by further political events, worldwide efforts to address climate change may become more difficult.