President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States will once again withdraw from the landmark Paris climate agreement, a move that undermines global efforts to combat climate change and distances the U.S. from key allies.
The decision, made on the day of his second-term inauguration, mirrors his 2017 withdrawal from the accord—an action later reversed by President Joe Biden.
“Unfair, One-Sided” Agreement
As he signed a series of executive orders, Trump declared, “I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris Climate Accords,” and sent a formal notification to the United Nations. However, due to the agreement’s rules, the U.S. exit will not take effect until Jan. 20, 2026.
The 2015 Paris Agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries, aims to limit global warming to 2.7°F (1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels, or at least keep it below 3.6°F (2°C). The voluntary pact requires nations to set emission reduction targets, which are expected to become more ambitious over time.
The Biden administration had proposed cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035, but Trump’s withdrawal could jeopardize those plans.
Global Reaction: “Unfortunate” but Not a Death Blow
Laurence Tubiana, a key architect of the Paris Agreement and CEO of the European Climate Foundation, called Trump’s move “unfortunate” but said the fight against climate change “is stronger than any single country’s politics.”
“The global context today is very different from 2017,” Tubiana noted. “There is unstoppable economic momentum behind clean energy, which the U.S. has benefited from but now risks forfeiting.”
The International Energy Agency estimates the global market for clean energy technology will triple to over $2 trillion by 2035.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom responded with a blunt message, sharing images of raging wildfires in Los Angeles: “If you don’t believe in science, believe your own damn eyes.”
Scientists and Experts Condemn Withdrawal
Dr. Rachel Cleetus, policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, called the decision “a travesty.”
“This move defies scientific realities and ignores the devastating climate impacts Americans and the world are already facing,” she said. “Pulling out of the Paris Agreement is an abdication of responsibility.”
Gina McCarthy, Biden’s former White House climate adviser, warned that Trump’s approach threatens the U.S. economy.
“If he truly wants America to lead the global economy, achieve energy independence, and create good-paying jobs, he must invest in clean energy,” McCarthy said.
The U.S. Role in Climate Change
The United States remains one of the world’s largest carbon polluters, emitting 4.9 billion metric tons of CO₂ in 2023 an 11% decline from a decade earlier, according to the Global Carbon Project. However, because carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere for centuries, the U.S. is responsible for nearly 22% of all CO₂ emissions since 1950—the largest historical contribution by any nation.
China, now the world’s biggest annual emitter, could see Trump’s withdrawal as an excuse to ease off its own climate commitments, experts warn.
Public Opinion: Americans Divided
A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of Americans oppose withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, while only about 2 in 10 support Trump’s move. Even among Republicans, support for withdrawal is mixed—less than half favor it, while about 20% oppose it.
Looking Ahead: A More Isolated America?
Trump’s first withdrawal in 2017 shocked and angered the global community, but no other nation followed the U.S. out. Instead, countries, investors, and local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the accord.
READ ALSO: 2025 Budget Defence: Senate Laments Budgetary Shortfall in NIMC Allocation, Vows to Engage Minister of Budget Planning
WHO Responds to U.S. Announcement of Intent to Withdraw from Geneva
This time, experts worry Trump’s second withdrawal could have more lasting consequences, making it harder for future U.S. administrations to reengage.
READ ALSO: NEMA NCZ Joins Shettima in Flagging Off Relief Distribution To Flood Victims in Nasarawa State
WHO Responds to U.S. Announcement of Intent to Withdraw from Geneva
“America is not going to play a leading role in solving the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced,” said climate activist Bill McKibben. “The best we can hope for now is that Washington doesn’t wreck the efforts of others.”
Despite Trump’s decision, U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell said the door remains open for U.S. re-engagement.
“Ignoring the global clean energy boom only sends wealth to competitor economies while climate disasters worsen,” Stiell warned. “The world is moving forward—with or without the United States.”
