Before the presidential elections, several issues were buzzing. While Democrats warned that Trump's rule could worsen the environment, he was labeled a climate denier. Republicans, however, saw this as his strength, arguing that climate change is an unfounded issue draining American resources. True to his word, Trump moved to end the Paris Agreement, disconnecting his country from global environmental commitments.
Is the climate change debate truly a waste, or is Trump just avoiding crucial issues?
This isn’t the first instance—back in 2017, Trump also pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, repeatedly expressing dissatisfaction. The deal, established in 2015, aimed to curb global temperatures, necessitating reductions in coal, gas, and oil pollution. Each country pledged efforts to this end. The U.S., with its industrial greenhouse emissions, had a significant commitment. But that was during Obama’s presidency. Upon Trump's arrival, he opposed and distanced from the deal.
Trump claimed this agreement unfairly pressured the U.S.
- Under the Paris Agreement, countries must reduce carbon emissions. Trump feared this would impact multiple industries and lead to job losses. - According to Trump, the agreement was lenient on countries like China and India, placing undue responsibility on the U.S. - Trump viewed such agreements as against America's interests, insisting the nation should live on its terms.
Source: aajtak
Actions during the previous term
In 2017, Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which took effect in 2020. However, with a change in administration, Biden rejoined the agreement. Trump had previously backed traditional energy sources like oil and natural gas and eased regulations on pollution control. He publicly dismissed global warming as a hoax many times, arguing it was being overly hyped.
Potential changes on the horizon
As of April 2024, the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated coal plants to adopt new technology to reduce greenhouse gases, facing closure otherwise. The Biden administration predicted significant carbon emission reductions by 2047. Trump might alter these strategies to provide cheaper electricity, indicating shifts in the automobile industry too. Overall, Trump’s term offers the country a free hand in pollution for profit.
Does the U.S. truly have no role in pollution?
No matter how dismissively a new president regards climate change, the U.S. significantly contributes to global pollution, having accounted for 14% in 2022, even with Biden in the Paris Agreement.
Historically, the U.S. has been a top polluter. Since 1850, its factories have emitted greenhouse gases, leading to 20% of global pollution attributed to America. It implies a responsibility to clean up its act—something it avoids repeatedly.
Source: aajtak
Impact of Trump's decisions
The U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement will become official next year. A major UN meeting slated for early 2026 aims to address numerous issues. However, U.S. involvement might be cursory at best, without the need for annual pollution control updates. Thus, it can freely utilize resources like coal and gas.
As a significant polluter, the U.S. withdrawal affects global objectives significantly.
Could other countries follow suit?
America acts as a global role model; its moves influence others. Worries loom that its exit from the Paris Agreement might prompt other nations to drift away. The Conversation reported that Argentina's President Javier Miley recently criticized climate change as a socialist hoax, triggering concern that others may also take this path.
Europe could emerge as a new leader
Amid challenges, optimism persists. America’s departure could strengthen unity among remaining countries. With no significant opposition, work might proceed smoothly and transparently. Moreover, the European Union could fill the gap. Europe’s history of environmental seriousness positions it well for leadership, creating hope that a post-Trump presidency might rejoin the agreement.
