In a move that sparked widespread controversy on the international scene, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, ordering the United States to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.

This is not the first time the United States has withdrawn from the agreement, as it previously withdrew during Trump’s first term, then returned to it under President Joe Biden in 2021.

The US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement remains a controversial issue, with repercussions that may extend for years to come. In light of the increasing climate challenges, the importance of international cooperation to find effective and sustainable solutions to address this global challenge is highlighted.

Reasons for withdrawal

During his announcement of the decision, President Trump explained several reasons that prompted him to take this step:
1. Protecting the US economy: Trump believes that the Paris Agreement imposes unfair economic burdens on the United States, which could lead to the loss of millions of jobs and a decline in basic industries.
2. Strengthening US sovereignty: Trump believes that the agreement restricts the freedom of the United States to determine its environmental and economic policies, which contradicts the principle of national sovereignty.

3. Imbalance in commitments: Trump points out that countries such as China and India get greater flexibility in reducing emissions, while the United States bears the greatest burden, which he considers unfair.

4. Questioning the effectiveness of the agreement: Trump believes that the agreement will not have a tangible impact on reducing global temperatures, and therefore questions its feasibility.

International and local reactions
The decision to withdraw has sparked mixed reactions:
– Internationally: Many countries and international organizations have expressed their disappointment with the decision, considering it to weaken global efforts to combat climate change.
– Locally: Opinions within the United States were divided between supporters who see the decision as protecting economic interests, and opponents who see it as a retreat from necessary environmental commitments.

Implications of the decision
The US withdrawal from the agreement could lead to:
– Decline in global efforts: As one of the largest emitters, the US withdrawal could undermine international efforts to limit climate change.
– Economic impacts: The decision could encourage other countries to reconsider their commitments, which could affect global markets and transitions to clean energy.
– Environmental implications: A retreat from environmental policies could exacerbate extreme weather events and increase natural disasters.

Source : CNN