Author: Power Peak Digest Team Pub Date: January 21, 2025
President Donald Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord for the second time, citing it as a “one-sided rip-off.” The move, made after his swearing-in, also included a “national energy emergency” declaration aimed at expanding drilling in the world’s top oil and gas producer. Trump vowed to scrap vehicle emissions standards and halt offshore wind farms, which he has frequently criticized.
Trump directed federal agencies to reject international climate finance commitments and formally notified the UN of the withdrawal. Under the accord’s rules, the exit will take effect in one year. The Republican leader said the move was necessary to avoid harming US industries, accusing China of polluting “with impunity.”
Critics argue the decision weakens global climate cooperation. Environmental advocates, like the Union of Concerned Scientists, called the withdrawal a “travesty,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change as global temperatures surpass critical thresholds.
Despite this, the Paris Agreement is expected to endure, with multilateral efforts remaining resilient. UN climate chief Simon Stiell stated the “door remains open” for the US to rejoin.
Trump also signed orders to reverse several energy policies. These include reversing offshore drilling bans, resuming drilling in Alaska, and halting clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. He promised increased oil and gas production, calling for a return to “drill, baby, drill!”
The actions drew praise from energy leaders like the American Petroleum Institute but sparked outrage from environmental groups. Critics, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, labelled the declaration of an energy emergency misleading, emphasizing the climate crisis as the real emergency.
China, the world’s largest emitter, expressed concern, urging international collaboration to address climate change.
Trump’s policies are expected to slow greenhouse gas emissions reductions significantly, though experts remain optimistic about long-term downward trends. Meanwhile, climate disasters linked to fossil fuel emissions, such as recent wildfires in Los Angeles, highlight the mounting challenges of global warming.