What is the Impact of the USA Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, Again, Under President Trump?
The New York Times reported that the transition team of US President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and allow more exploration and mining in the country. The newspaper reported that Trump is also expected to end the temporary suspension imposed on licenses for the construction of new natural gas export terminals and to cancel an exemption that allows California and other states to implement stricter standards to combat pollution.
During his past term, President Trump (2017-2020) has withdrawn first time from the Parris agreement. This will throw with was reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
?
So, what will be the impact of President Trump withdrawal from Paris Agreement, again?
?
By pulling out of the agreement, the United States reduced its financial aid to the Green Climate fund, which ultimately impacted climate change research and decreased society's chance of reaching the Paris Agreement goals. The termination of the $3 billion U.S. funding also meant that the U.S. would not contribute to future IPCC reports.
?
Key Impacts of the Withdrawal:
?
It's worth noting that President Joe Biden later rejoined the Paris Agreement on January 20, 2021, shortly after his inauguration .
?
President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord in 2017 had significant environmental, economic, and geopolitical impacts. Here’s an overview of some key effects:
?
?1. Environmental Impact
?? - Increased Emissions: The U.S. is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters. Withdrawing from the agreement reduced the likelihood of the U.S. meeting its own emission reduction targets, potentially leading to higher global greenhouse gas levels.
?? - Reduced Global Momentum: The U.S. withdrawal could have influenced other countries to weaken or slow their climate action plans, undermining the global commitment to keep warming below 1.5–2°C. While many countries reaffirmed their commitment, the absence of a major player affected the sense of urgency and ambition in climate policy.
?
?2. Economic Impact
?? - Growth in Fossil Fuel Industries: Under Trump, the U.S. promoted policies supporting fossil fuel industries, including oil, coal, and natural gas, which created short-term economic gains in those sectors. However, it also delayed the transition to clean energy industries like wind, solar, and electric vehicles, where many countries are investing to secure future economic growth.
?? - Potential Trade Consequences: As countries implement carbon pricing or impose tariffs on goods from countries with high emissions, the U.S. could face trade barriers or lose competitiveness in certain markets. Additionally, multinational companies might favor countries with stable, green-friendly policies.
- The withdrawal of the United States of America from Paris accord will give a great boost to the oil and gas, exploration and production business in Western Africa.
Despite these challenges, West Africa remains a significant player in the global oil and gas market. Countries like Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana continue to produce and export oil and gas. However, the region's oil and gas assets are more costly to develop and operate, and more carbon-intensive than global averages.
?
3. Geopolitical Impact
?? - Leadership Shift in Global Climate Policy: By stepping back, the U.S. ceded some of its leadership role in climate diplomacy to countries like China and the European Union, who continued to champion the Paris Agreement. This shift affected international relations, with countries looking to new leaders on climate issues and economic partnerships.
?? - Increased Isolation: While nearly every country remained in the Paris Agreement, the U.S. became one of the few outside it, creating diplomatic friction with allies who prioritized climate commitments.
?
The Impact on COP 29:
In fact, other major emitters like China, the European Union, and Japan stepped up their climate pledges, with China aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060 and Japan and the EU targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.
?
Fast forward to COP 29, the U.S. withdrawal hasn't derailed global progress. The conference will still focus on key issues like defining a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on finance, mitigation, and loss and damage. The agenda remains packed, with nations working together to address climate change.
?
?
The U.S. withdrawal may have reduced financial support, but it will not stop the International momentum or reduce the global obligations to submit more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every 5-10 years. The Paris Agreement remains in force, and the global energy transition continues, driven by market forces, technological advancements, and citizen pressure.
?
The U.S. withdrawal, again, from the Paris Agreement will be a setback, however, it will not stop the efforts for the protection of global climate. COP 29 will press on, addressing critical issues and promoting cooperation among nations to combat climate change.
?