The United States has officially withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement for the second time, marking President Donald Trump's renewed break with the primary global framework for addressing climate change. The move leaves the US as the only country to have exited the pact, joining Iran, Libya, and Yemen as non-signatories.
Experts warn that while the withdrawal will not halt global climate efforts, it could significantly complicate them. The Trump administration has also announced plans to leave the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, effectively severing ties with international climate governance. 'It's almost like they're saying, we don't care what you want from us, we will be the bad guys,' said Basav Sen of the Institute for Policy Studies.
Despite the US retreat, global investment in low-carbon energy continues to outpace fossil fuels, with renewables accounting for over 90% of new power capacity last year. China is emerging as a dominant force in clean energy, producing more than 80% of the world's solar panels and 70% of wind turbines. However, experts caution that US abdication could slow momentum elsewhere, with countries like Israel reportedly considering following suit.
The US exit also undermines climate finance goals, as the world's richest country steps back from helping poorer nations transition away from fossil fuels. 'It will be that much harder for low-income countries,' Sen added, noting that any rise in US emissions from Trump's fossil fuel expansion will be felt globally.
