US withdrawal from Paris Agreement 2025

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement 2025 has once again brought climate diplomacy into the spotlight. For SSC aspirants, this is a crucial current affairs topic as it links global politics, environmental issues, and India’s role in international cooperation.

Background: Paris Climate Agreement

The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a global pact under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its main goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C and make efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Countries submit their emission reduction targets, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to achieve this collective goal. The US Paris Agreement role is critical since it is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China.

Trump’s First Withdrawal (2017)

• In 2017, then-President Donald Trump announced the Trump Paris Agreement withdrawal, calling it an “economic burden” on the United States.

• He argued that the climate agreement withdrawal put American industries at a disadvantage compared to China and India.

• This move faced strong criticism from world leaders and raised concerns about the US climate policy direction.

Biden’s Rejoining (2021)

• After taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden reversed Trump’s decision.

• Under Biden, the US climate policy aimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% by 2035.

• The US rejoined the Paris Climate Deal, strengthening hopes for international cooperation.

US Withdrawal from Paris Agreement 2025 (Second Exit)

On January 20, 2025, during his second term, President Trump signed an executive order for the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement 2025. He declared the Paris Climate Deal “unfair and one-sided” during his inaugural address.

This US exit from the Paris Agreement 2025 means that America will again align with non-signatory countries such as Iran, Libya, and Yemen.

For SSC aspirants, this shows how changing leadership directly impacts US climate policy and international climate action.

Reasons Behind the Withdrawal

• Trump’s belief that the Paris Agreement and the US role placed economic burdens on American industries.

• The argument that other nations like China and India were not contributing fairly.

• Domestic pressure to prioritize jobs, energy, and fossil fuel industries.

This explains why the US withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2025, despite global concerns.

Global Reactions

• European Union leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement.

• UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell stated that the global energy transition is “inevitable” despite US withdrawal.

• Many countries expressed disappointment, warning that the impacts of the US climate withdrawal could slow progress on global emission reduction.

The global reaction to the US Paris exit reflects both frustration and determination to continue climate efforts without US leadership.

Implications of US Withdrawal

The consequences of Trump pulling the US out of the Paris Agreement again are significant:

• Weakening of global climate leadership.

• Risk of missing emission targets and worsening climate disasters.

• Reduced funding for climate adaptation in developing countries.

• Greater burden on countries like India and the EU to push forward.

Experts highlight that the US's second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and its global impact may delay international progress in limiting warming.

Relevance for SSC Aspirants

Why is the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement 2025 important for exams?

• It is a current international event with long-term implications.

• It covers topics under Environment, International Relations, and Climate Policy.

• Questions may be framed on Paris Agreement provisions, US climate policy shifts, and India’s role in climate negotiations.

Quick Revision Notes

• Paris Agreement (2015): Global pact to reduce emissions.

• Trump First Exit (2017): Claimed economic burden.

• Biden Rejoined (2021): Pledged strong emission cuts.

• Trump Second Exit (2025): The US pulled out again.

• Global Impact: Weakens climate goals, raises burden on others.

Final Thoughts

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement 2025 marks a major turning point in global climate diplomacy. As the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States plays a crucial role in shaping international climate policy.

The decision to exit once again raises questions about the future of global cooperation on climate change. While some argue that the move protects American industries, critics warn that it undermines the collective fight against rising global temperatures. International leaders have reaffirmed their commitment, proving that the global energy transition is inevitable.

Yet, without the active participation of the US, achieving the Paris Agreement goals of limiting warming to 1.5°C becomes far more challenging. Ultimately, this withdrawal highlights the tension between national interests and global responsibility, and its long-term impact will shape the world’s climate journey in the years ahead.