WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.

In his first speech after being sworn into office on Monday, Trump declared a “national energy emergency” to expand oil and gas drilling. He also announced plans to scrap vehicle emissions standards, calling them an “electric vehicle mandate.” He vowed to curb wind farms, which he frequently criticizes.

The White House announced the decision to leave the Paris Agreement in a statement shortly after he was sworn into office. Exiting the accord officially takes about a year after notifying the United Nations. Critics warn this move undermines global cooperation and may encourage other polluters to weaken their commitments made in COP 28 and COP 29.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who attended Trump’s inauguration, said his country is also “re-evaluating” its participation. Meanwhile, global temperatures have recently exceeded the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, highlighting the need for urgent action.

First US withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement

Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017 after his first inauguration. Yet the accord, signed by 195 parties in 2015, remains strong.

“The US withdrawal is unfortunate, but multilateral climate action remains resilient,” said Laurence Tubiana, a key architect of the deal.

UN climate chief Simon Steill said the US could still return, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed faith in US cities, states, and businesses to support decarbonization.

Expanded Drilling, Fewer EVs

Trump’s inauguration speech previewed his plans to reverse Biden’s climate policies.

“The inflation crisis came from overspending and rising energy costs. Today, I declare a national energy emergency. We will ‘Drill, baby, drill!’” Trump said.

He pledged to end the Green New Deal and revoke what he called the electric vehicle mandate. His reference to the “Green New Deal” likely targets Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which funds clean energy initiatives.

Also Read: Trump takes office, promises ‘only two genders’, border crackdown

Critics point out that Biden’s record includes significant fossil fuel expansion. Last year, US greenhouse gas emissions fell only 0.2%, leaving the country far from its climate goals.

Energy industry leaders welcomed Trump’s policies as a return to “American energy dominance.” Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, said the industry is ready to work with Trump’s administration.

Emissions Reductions at Risk

Environmental advocates expressed outrage.

“This declaration shows Trump doesn’t recognize reality,” said Athan Manuel of the Sierra Club. “The US already produces more oil and gas than any other country.”

Studies predict Trump’s policies will slow emissions reductions. However, experts believe long-term emissions will continue to decline.

Scientists agree fossil fuel use drives global warming and severe climate disasters. Last year, the US faced catastrophic hurricanes and wildfires worsened by climate change. Hurricane Helene became the second-deadliest storm to hit the mainland in over 50 years. Recent wildfires devastated Los Angeles, leaving destruction in their wake.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts