(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS2 – International Relations
Context
- President Donald Trump signed a decree for the U.S. to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
- The U.S. is the only country to have withdrawn three times from climate agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol in 2001 and twice from the Paris Agreement under Trump.

U.S.’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- This move casts doubt on global climate commitments, especially as the Earth has exceeded the 1.5°C warming mark for a full calendar year.
- The U.S. is the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and is viewed as a global leader in addressing climate change.
Impact of U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
Global Climate Leadership: The U.S. withdrawal weakens global climate leadership, making it harder to drive international cooperation on climate change.Delayed Emission Reductions: Reduced U.S. commitment may delay progress toward achieving global emissions reduction targets, exacerbating climate change impacts.Shift in Global Dynamics: Other countries may adjust their climate strategies, potentially weakening the collective effort to meet the 1.5°C target.Geopolitical Tensions: U.S. actions could heighten geopolitical tensions, particularly with countries focused on sustainable development.
Inconsistencies in U.S. Climate Policy
- Both Republican and Democratic administrations have prioritized business interests in domestic climate policies.
- Despite climate commitments, oil and gas production in the U.S. has increased, making it the largest global producer of crude oil and gas.
- In 2022, the U.S. became the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Shortfalls in Emission Targets
- The U.S. has achieved only one-third of its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets as of 2022.
- President Biden committed to a 61%-66% reduction in emissions by 2035, which experts believe is insufficient to meet the 1.5°C global warming target.
Future Prospects
- Renewable energy investments have grown significantly, limiting the extent of policy rollback.
- While formal withdrawal will take a year, U.S. engagement in global climate forums like COP 30 in Brazil may persist.
- Trump’s approach suggests a dual strategy, balancing domestic interests while engaging selectively in international climate discussions.