The United States has officially withdrawn from the landmark Paris climate agreement for a second time, a move that was initiated when Donald Trump returned to the White House last year and has now been finalised, reinforcing his administration's consistent opposition to global climate action initiatives.
US Becomes Sole Nation to Exit Paris Pact
This unprecedented withdrawal makes the United States the only country in history to have ever left the Paris Agreement, a global accord designed to combat climate change by limiting temperature increases. As a result, the US now joins a small group of nations, including Iran, Libya, and Yemen, that are not participants in the pact, significantly altering the international landscape for environmental cooperation.
Part of Broader 'America First' Policy Agenda
The decision is a central component of President Trump's "America First" policy framework, which actively seeks to disengage Washington from various international treaties and organisations that the administration views as disadvantageous to American interests. This strategic pullback extends beyond climate agreements, reflecting a broader scepticism towards multilateral institutions.
Sharp Criticism from Climate and Human Rights Advocates
The withdrawal has provoked intense criticism from climate advocacy groups and human rights organisations worldwide. Critics argue that this action establishes a deeply troubling precedent that could undermine global efforts to address the climate crisis, potentially encouraging other nations to reconsider their commitments and threatening the fragile consensus needed for effective international collaboration.
Complicating Global Efforts to Limit Temperature Rises
Experts and opponents highlight that the US departure significantly complicates international endeavours to cap global temperature increases, as the nation is one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases. This move follows a pattern of recent US exits from key international bodies, including withdrawals from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), further isolating the country on the global stage.
The formalisation of this withdrawal marks a critical juncture in international climate diplomacy, raising concerns about the future of the Paris Agreement and the collective ability to meet its ambitious targets without American participation.
