Trump's Election Victory: A Blow to the Paris Climate Accord, but Not the End
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 7:58 am ET
The re-election of Donald Trump has sparked dismay among the architects of the Paris climate accord, with fears that his climate policies could derail global efforts to combat climate change. Trump's first term saw the U.S. withdraw from the Paris Agreement, roll back environmental regulations, and promote fossil fuel production. As he returns to the White House, climate experts and advocates are bracing for more of the same.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to ramp up fossil fuel production, pare back Biden's emissions-limiting regulations, and pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement once again. This stance has been met with concern from global climate leaders, who worry that Trump's policies could slow the world's transition to clean energy and make it more difficult to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
However, it is essential to note that the U.S. is not the only major emitter, and other countries, such as China and the EU, have committed to ambitious climate action. Despite Trump's climate stance, the Paris Agreement has proven resilient, with countries like China and the EU showing no signs of slowing their emissions reduction efforts.
Moreover, subnational actors in the U.S., including cities and states, are taking bold climate action, accounting for 65% of the U.S. population and 68% of GDP. The "America Is All In" coalition, representing these subnational actors, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement, stating that it will continue to work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a sustainable future.
International climate leaders can collaborate to maintain momentum and accelerate climate action despite potential U.S. policy reversals. By strengthening global coalitions and supporting subnational actors like cities and states, international leaders can push for ambitious climate action and implement the Paris Agreement. Europe, in particular, has the responsibility and opportunity to step up and lead in this regard.
In conclusion, Trump's election victory is a setback for global climate action, but it is not the end. The Paris Agreement has proven resilient, and countries like China and the EU remain committed to their emissions reduction targets. Subnational actors in the U.S. are also taking bold climate action, and international leaders can collaborate to maintain momentum and accelerate climate action. By stepping up and leading, Europe can show that ambitious climate action protects people, strengthens economies, and builds resilience.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to ramp up fossil fuel production, pare back Biden's emissions-limiting regulations, and pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement once again. This stance has been met with concern from global climate leaders, who worry that Trump's policies could slow the world's transition to clean energy and make it more difficult to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
However, it is essential to note that the U.S. is not the only major emitter, and other countries, such as China and the EU, have committed to ambitious climate action. Despite Trump's climate stance, the Paris Agreement has proven resilient, with countries like China and the EU showing no signs of slowing their emissions reduction efforts.
Moreover, subnational actors in the U.S., including cities and states, are taking bold climate action, accounting for 65% of the U.S. population and 68% of GDP. The "America Is All In" coalition, representing these subnational actors, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement, stating that it will continue to work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a sustainable future.
International climate leaders can collaborate to maintain momentum and accelerate climate action despite potential U.S. policy reversals. By strengthening global coalitions and supporting subnational actors like cities and states, international leaders can push for ambitious climate action and implement the Paris Agreement. Europe, in particular, has the responsibility and opportunity to step up and lead in this regard.
In conclusion, Trump's election victory is a setback for global climate action, but it is not the end. The Paris Agreement has proven resilient, and countries like China and the EU remain committed to their emissions reduction targets. Subnational actors in the U.S. are also taking bold climate action, and international leaders can collaborate to maintain momentum and accelerate climate action. By stepping up and leading, Europe can show that ambitious climate action protects people, strengthens economies, and builds resilience.