US withdraw from Paris Agreement

The decision by the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement in 2017 under the Trump administration was a significant and controversial moment in global climate policy. The move was driven by a combination of economic, political, and ideological factors that reflected the administration’s priorities at the time.

One of the primary reasons cited for the withdrawal was the perceived economic burden the agreement placed on the U.S. The Trump administration argued that the commitments under the Paris Agreement would disadvantage American industries, particularly those in the fossil fuel sector, such as coal, oil, and manufacturing. They contended that adhering to the agreement would lead to job losses, increased costs for businesses, and a slowdown in economic growth. This perspective was rooted in the administration’s broader agenda of prioritizing domestic economic interests and deregulation.

Another critical factor was the concern over national sovereignty. The administration viewed the Paris Agreement as an infringement on U.S. autonomy, arguing that it imposed international regulations on American energy policies and businesses. The preference was for a more flexible, non-binding approach to climate commitments, allowing the U.S. to set its own terms without external oversight.

Additionally, the Trump administration expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the agreement in addressing global climate change. Critics pointed out that the agreement did not impose immediate or stringent emissions reduction requirements on some of the world’s largest polluters, such as China and India. This led to the belief that the U.S. was making disproportionate sacrifices without a guaranteed global impact.

The decision to withdraw also aligned with the administration’s broader ideological stance, which included skepticism toward climate science and a focus on reviving traditional energy sectors. By stepping away from the agreement, the administration signaled its commitment to deregulation and the promotion of fossil fuel development as part of its “America First” agenda.

The formal withdrawal process began in 2019 and was completed on November 4, 2020. However, the U.S. rejoined the Paris Agreement in early 2021 under the Biden administration, marking a shift in priorities and a renewed commitment to global climate action. This reversal highlighted the deeply polarized nature of climate policy in the U.S. and the significant impact of leadership changes on international agreements. The withdrawal and subsequent re-entry into the Paris Agreement remain a pivotal chapter in the ongoing global effort to address climate change.

Zainab Malaika , the writer is the member of Progressive Climate Foundation - PCF