US Withdraws from Paris Climate Agreement
| President's Moment | Political | Environmental Policy |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
5 min read
In a statement made from the White House's Rose Garden, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. He argued that the treaty disadvantaged the United States to the exclusive benefit of other countries. The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted by 196 parties, was created with the goal of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Trump emphasized that remaining in the agreement could undermine the U.S. economy, lead to job losses, and put American businesses at a competitive disadvantage. Critics and proponents of the withdrawal highlighted various aspects of the decision. Critics argued that it set back global efforts to combat climate change, potentially leading to more severe environmental consequences. They also pointed to statistics showing that many U.S. states, cities, and businesses still supported the Agreement’s goal and had already implemented their own environmental initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Proponents of the withdrawal countered by stating that the terms of the Paris Agreement were too lenient on major polluting countries like China and India, allowing them more time to increase emissions while the U.S. was required to make more immediate and significant reductions. They cited data indicating that adhering to the Agreement could result in a GDP loss of up to $2.5 trillion over several decades and decrease the manufacturing sector's competitiveness.
The broader implications of the announcement included potential shifts in international relations and global climate policy. Some countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, while others expressed disappointment. It forced stakeholders to reconsider strategies for climate action without U.S. participation at the federal level. Environmental groups warned about the accelerated risks of global warming, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for continued global cooperation.
This pivotal event underscored the complexities of balancing economic interests with environmental responsibilities on the international stage. It also highlighted the ongoing debate about the most effective and equitable ways to address climate change globally.
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Primary Reference: Donald J. Trump Event Timeline | The American Presidency Project

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