- US Withdrawal from Paris Agreement: Dealing a significant blow to global climate efforts
- Consequences of US Withdrawal: Sends a signal to developing countries that they can prioritize economic growth over environmental concerns
- Urgent Need for Collective Action: Success relies on collective action from top emitters like China, the US, and the EU
Harare- The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement has sent shockwaves throughout the global community, exacerbating concerns about climate change mitigation. This move, orchestrated by Trump, marks the second instance of the US backing out of the agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
The US, as the world's second-largest emitter, plays a crucial role in global climate efforts. Despite this, Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement has been justified by claims that participation would result in job losses and significant economic costs.
Donald Trump's stance on climate change and energy policy is rooted in his belief that the US should prioritize its vast oil reserves and economic growth over environmental concerns. He thinks that being part of the Paris Agreement would hinder economic growth by forcing the US to scale back on mining projects and transition to more capital-intensive renewable energy sources.
Trump is also skeptical about the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the growth of fuel-based investments. He believes that EVs should not disrupt the growth of these investments, indicating a preference for maintaining the status quo in the energy sector ¹.
Furthermore, Trump has expressed the view that environments will adapt to climate change, downplaying the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects. This perspective is at odds with the scientific consensus, which emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent catastrophic climate change
However, research indicates that clean energy jobs grew at twice the rate of the overall US labour market in 2023, accounting for over 8.35 million positions according to US Department of Energy Report.
The consequences of climate change are already being felt, with extreme weather events like heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires intensifying.
United States has set an ambitious target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. By 2035, the US aims to decrease its emissions by 61-66% below its 2005 levels.
According to Munich Re, natural disasters in 2024 resulted in US$320 billion worth of financial losses worldwide, with weather catastrophes responsible for 93% of overall losses. This alarming trend reflects the urgent need for collective action to mitigate climate change.
China, as the world's largest emitter, accounts for over a quarter of global emissions, followed closely by North America and Europe. Africa and South America are relatively small emitters, accounting for 3-4% of global emissions each. The disproportionate contribution of top emitters to global emissions highlights the critical role they must play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Paris Agreement's success hinges on collective action from top emitters. China, the US, and the EU must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet global targets. Without their commitment, the world will fall short of its climate goals, perpetuating a cycle of devastating climate-related disasters and economic instability.
The withdrawal undermines global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The US is the second-largest emitter, after China, and its participation in the agreement was crucial in encouraging other countries to take action. China's selective funding priorities and Europe's preoccupation with war make it challenging for other countries to fill the gap left by the US.
For Africa, the US withdrawal sends a signal that you can ignore global climate concerns and prioritize economic growth. It suggests that the West is not serious about climate change, and that African countries can follow suit.
This could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions as Africa sits on vast resources like oil and coal. The withdrawal may also embolden African leaders to exploit their natural resources, including coal and fossil fuels, without regard for the environmental consequences.
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