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Implications of the U.S.'s climate policy reversal

CGTN

On January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the country from the Paris Agreement, marking the second exit from this landmark climate accord.

This move continues a decade-long policy oscillation: in 2017, during his first term, Trump announced the U.S.'s initial withdrawal, finalized in 2020. President Joe Biden rejoined the accord in 2021, reinstating the U.S.'s commitment to combating global climate change. Now, Trump's second withdrawal signals a renewed focus on traditional energy policies and reduced emphasis on global climate cooperation.

A Greenpeace activist holds a banner that reads:
A Greenpeace activist holds a banner that reads: "Future vs. Trump" as the same image is projected on the facade of the U.S. Embassy to protest against the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Berlin, Germany, January 21, 2025. /VCG

A Greenpeace activist holds a banner that reads: "Future vs. Trump" as the same image is projected on the facade of the U.S. Embassy to protest against the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Berlin, Germany, January 21, 2025. /VCG

Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a global framework to combat climate change by limiting temperature rises to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Each signatory is required to periodically enhance climate targets.

However, the U.S.'s withdrawal undermines global climate governance. As one of the world's top emitters, the U.S.'s policy reversals may weaken other countries' political will, delay international climate financing, and disrupt the clean energy transition, particularly in developing nations.

President Trump has emphasized boosting fossil fuel development, declaring a national energy emergency to exploit the country's vast oil and gas resources. "We will drill, baby, drill," he stated, citing the economic benefits of traditional energy.

His administration also ended electric vehicle incentives, aiming to protect the domestic automotive industry. Critics argue that these measures risk isolating the U.S. in a world rapidly transitioning to clean energy.

Climate Families NYC and parent leaders from Our Kids Climate organize a creative, family-friendly event near the United Nations, New York, U.S., September 21, 2024. /VCG
Climate Families NYC and parent leaders from Our Kids Climate organize a creative, family-friendly event near the United Nations, New York, U.S., September 21, 2024. /VCG

Climate Families NYC and parent leaders from Our Kids Climate organize a creative, family-friendly event near the United Nations, New York, U.S., September 21, 2024. /VCG

The U.S.'s inconsistent climate policies disrupt international climate governance, undermining global trust in multilateral agreements like the Paris climate accord. This policy volatility has a ripple effect, discouraging other nations from setting or achieving ambitious climate targets, especially as the U.S. is a key emitter and financial contributor.

The cancellation of U.S. climate financing also exacerbates challenges for developing nations, as it creates funding gaps that hinder their efforts in clean energy adoption and climate adaptation.

The controversial Pinyon Plain Mine continues to operate within the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona, U.S., August 27, 2024. /VCG
The controversial Pinyon Plain Mine continues to operate within the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona, U.S., August 27, 2024. /VCG

The controversial Pinyon Plain Mine continues to operate within the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona, U.S., August 27, 2024. /VCG

Guo Jiakun, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, expressed concern over the U.S.'s decision, highlighting that climate change is a shared challenge for humanity. "No country can remain unaffected or act alone," he stressed. As nations continue advancing clean energy initiatives, the U.S.'s inconsistent climate policy could diminish its global influence and competitiveness in the long term.

Despite these setbacks, global progress in renewable energy has accelerated over the past decade. Clean energy technologies have become more affordable, and investments have nearly doubled. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, noted that Trump's actions cannot halt the energy transition.

(Cover: The controversial Pinyon Plain Mine continues to operate within the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona, U.S., August 27, 2024. /VCG)

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