Trump’s Second Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Signals a Major Setback for Global Climate Action

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 17)

 Analysis of the news:

Trump’s Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: Key Actions and Implications

• Trump revoked all US climate finance commitments, signaling a reversal of climate-friendly policies.
• His administration aims to boost domestic energy production, particularly in oil, gas, and coal, while reducing dependence on international energy supply chains, especially those tied to China.

Greater Impact of the Second Withdrawal

• Unlike the first withdrawal in 2017, which was delayed by procedural timelines, Trump’s second exit will be swift, becoming effective within a year.
• This decision, accompanied by rollbacks in energy and environmental regulations, threatens to dismantle US climate policy entirely.
• The US, being the world’s second-largest emitter, plays a critical role in global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
• Its absence will significantly hinder progress, potentially adding billions of tonnes of emissions over the next four years.

Impact on Climate Finance

• Trump’s revocation of the US International Climate Finance Plan will reduce financial resources for global climate action.
• The US’s influence on private and international finance could lead to a broader funding shortfall for developing countries.
• This move is likely to weaken the financial mechanisms critical for supporting global mitigation and adaptation efforts, disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations.

Conventional Energy Push and Domestic Policies

• Trump’s administration has prioritized boosting oil, gas, and coal production, arguing that this will enhance energy security, reduce reliance on China, and create domestic jobs.
• While renewable energy remains part of the agenda, Trump has focused on imposing tariffs on Chinese equipment to encourage domestic manufacturing.
• This policy shift underscores his broader goal of prioritizing American interests over international commitments.

The Fallout for International Climate Action

• The US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement highlights Trump’s long-standing complaint that climate regulations unfairly burden the US while exempting countries like China.
• However, as the largest historical emitter, the US bears significant responsibility for climate mitigation.
• The failure to meet its 2030 emission reduction targets now seems inevitable, further weakening global climate goals.

Conclusion

• Trump’s second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement reflects a fundamental shift in US climate policy, with far-reaching consequences for global efforts to combat climate change.
• The rollback of domestic and international commitments risks derailing the progress made under previous administrations, underscoring the challenges of maintaining global unity in addressing climate change.

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