For the second time, Donald Trump, sworn in for a second term as President of the United States, has declared the nation’s intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
In a bold move ahead of his inauguration, Trump signed an executive order to formalize the decision. “I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off,” he stated. “The United States will not sabotage its industries while China pollutes with impunity.”
The order, which also declared an “Energy Emergency,” grants the administration sweeping powers to ramp up fossil fuel production alongside critical minerals essential for renewable energy. While the withdrawal takes immediate effect on paper, the official exit process will require a year to complete.
The decision signals a halt to U.S. participation in the landmark global pact aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to below 2°C. It also includes plans to slash funding for climate adaptation programs and boost fossil fuel production.
Signed in 2015, the Paris Agreement unites nearly 200 countries to combat climate change through collaborative efforts. As the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the U.S. departure could undermine international efforts to curb global warming.
A Familiar Path
Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement in 2017, a decision reversed by President Joe Biden on his first day in office in 2021. His renewed withdrawal marks a return to policies that prioritize economic concerns over environmental commitments.
The move comes at a time when the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. Wildfires in California and other climate-related disasters continue to underscore the urgency of global action.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the decision, warning that the Paris Agreement is at risk of being weakened. “The agreement can survive, but it will be crippled without the full participation of major emitters like the United States,” Guterres remarked.
Implications for Africa
Africa, one of the continents most vulnerable to climate change, faces heightened risks as a result of the U.S. withdrawal. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, are already threatening food security, water availability, and economic stability across the continent.
Dr. Joyce Kimutai, a climate scientist at Imperial College London and the Kenya Meteorological Department, warned that the withdrawal would exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. “Those who have contributed the least to climate change are bearing the heaviest burdens,” she said. “Delays in global action will only deepen the crisis.”
The U.S. exit also raises concerns about the availability of climate finance. The Paris Agreement commits developed nations to mobilize funding to help developing countries adapt to and mitigate climate impacts. Without U.S. participation, achieving these financial goals becomes increasingly difficult.
Faten Aggad, Executive Director of the African Future Policies Hub, highlighted the disproportionate impact on Africa. “The U.S. is responsible for 13.5% of global emissions—four times the emissions of the entire African continent,” she noted. “We cannot afford to have one of the largest emitters disengage from a pact that is already under strain.”
Struggles in Renewable Energy Transition
African nations transitioning to renewable energy may also feel the effects of reduced U.S. participation. The Paris Agreement facilitates access to technology, funding, and expertise for renewable energy projects. Without U.S. backing, these efforts could face significant hurdles, slowing progress in the global shift toward green energy.
Hope Amid Challenges
Despite the setback, experts remain optimistic about global climate action. Mouhamadou Sissoko, Secretary General of Senegal’s Teranga Lab, stressed the importance of solidarity and innovation. “This decision is a setback, but it also underscores the need for stronger multilateral cooperation,” he said.
Julius Mbatia, a climate policy expert, echoed similar sentiments. “The world has endured this challenge before and emerged stronger through cooperation. It is time to reassert our collective commitment to addressing the climate crisis,” he stated.
Greenpeace Africa’s Fred Njehu criticized Trump’s decision as a blow to global efforts but emphasized the resilience of the African continent. “Africa will not back down in the face of those who prioritize profit over the future. The fight for climate justice continues,” he declared.
Moving Forward
While the U.S. withdrawal casts a shadow over the Paris Agreement, many countries, cities, and corporations remain steadfast in their commitment to reducing emissions. The challenges posed by this decision highlight the need for greater ambition and unity in combating one of the most pressing issues of our time.
SOURCE: Kofi Adu Domfeh
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