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With the US outside of the agreement, the pact will now cover only about 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – previously, this was 97 percent
In contrast to Trump’s statements, this is not a move for America first; it is America isolated. Such isolation of the US could have second-order effects as US firms may be at a competitive disadvantage in the future. Significantly, this would be the case if the European Union follows plans for a ‘carbon border tax’ penalising imports from countries not meeting environmental standards. Being outside the Paris Agreement could also make it harder for the US to secure a new trade pact with the EU. Notably, France opposes trade deals with those outside the agreement. Further, Trump’s decision gives a unique opportunity for a vacuum of leadership to be filled by the likes of China or even the EU. As, formal membership of the US or not, the Paris Agreement is recognised to be vital in efforts towards tackling climate change.
Mia Haffety
Graphic & Page Design by Natasha Phang-Lee
The US government however has said the agreement puts an “unfair economic burden” on Americans. Notably, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the notification on Twitter, issuing a statement that the accord imposes intolerable burdens on the American economy. This is despite the fact that rising seas, increased storm surge and tidal flooding threaten $1 trillion in public infrastructure and private property along US coastlines. In addition, since 2014, the US has experienced $400 billion in weather and climate disaster costs. President Trump has also long held that the accord cripples growth and intrudes on American sovereignty. “It is time to put Youngstown, Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; and Pittsburgh, Pa., along with many, many other locations within our great country, before Paris, France.” he said when announcing the US withdrawal.
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(Donald Trump, 2017)
This decision of Trump’s administration is huge as, firstly, the US is the world’s second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind only China, and also the largest cumulative greenhouse gas emitter. Therefore, with the US outside of the agreement, the pact will now cover only about 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – previously, this was 97 percent. In addition, with the US now abdicating responsibility for curbing emissions, it will prove tougher to convince China, India, and other growing sources of greenhouse gases that they have to do more. Notably, under United Nations rules, China and India are not obligated to curb emissions. They agreed to do so as part of the Paris Agreement and in large part because the US was taking action.
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Since 2016, the Paris Agreement has brought 197 states into a common cause to undertake efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects. The central aim of the agreement is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change. With this, is the aim of keeping a global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursuing efforts for enhanced transparency of action.
It is time to put Youngstown, Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; and Pittsburgh, Pa., along with many, many other locations within our great country, before Paris, France
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With President Donald Trump’s intention to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, this leaves America as the only country on Earth outside the agreement.
