Trump Reaffirms Withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump initiated the United States' second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, a decision that holds significant consequences for both national and international climate policies.

Background: The Paris Climate Agreement
Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is an international pact aimed at limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. The agreement encourages countries to set their own emission reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Trump’s First Withdrawal (2017)
In 2017, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, arguing that it posed economic disadvantages and treated the U.S. unfairly compared to other nations. This decision faced widespread international backlash and raised concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to global climate action.

Biden’s Rejoining (2021)
When President Joe Biden took office in 2021, he reversed Trump's withdrawal and rejoined the Paris Agreement, pledging the U.S. to ambitious climate goals, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035.

Trump’s Second Withdrawal (2025)
During his second term, President Trump once again began the U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement. On January 20, 2025, during his inaugural parade, he signed an executive order declaring, "I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off." This move places the U.S. alongside Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only countries not part of the accord.

Implications for Global Climate Efforts
The U.S. withdrawal is expected to be finalized within a year and undermines global efforts to combat climate change. As the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the U.S. plays a vital role in global climate initiatives. Experts warn that this decision could contribute to rising global temperatures and worsen climate-related disasters.

Global Reactions
International leaders have expressed concerns about the U.S. withdrawal. European Union President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Paris Agreement, stating the EU will "stay the course on climate action." Simon Stiell, the UN's climate chief, emphasized that the global energy transition is inevitable despite "crisis fatigue."