As catastrophic weather events increase globally, President Donald Trump defiantly rejected international attempts to mitigate planetary warming by announcing the United States’ second departure from the Paris climate pact, reports RTE.
The Republican leader also proclaimed a “national energy emergency” in order to increase drilling in the largest producer of gas and oil in the world.
He pledged to stop offshore wind projects, which he frequently disparages, and claimed he would do away with automobile emissions regulations that equate to a “electric vehicle mandate,” reports RTE.
In addition, he sent a formal letter to the UN informing it of the United States’ intention to withdraw from the pact and signed an order directing federal agencies to refuse foreign climate funding obligations made during the previous administration.
“I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris Climate Accord rip-off,” he explained to cheering supporters at a Washington DC sports arena after being sworn in, reports RTE.
“The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity.”
In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the US will formally withdraw in a year, reports RTE.
Argentina, under libertarian President Javier Milei, has also stated that it is “re-evaluating” its participation. Critics say that the action weakens international cooperation on lowering the use of fossil fuels and might empower large polluters like China and India to decrease their promises.
“Withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement is a travesty,” said Rachel Cleetus, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, adding the move “shows an administration cruelly indifferent to the harsh climate change impacts that people in the United States and around the world are experiencing,” reports RTE.
The decision was made in light of the fact that, for the first time in the last two years, average global temperatures have risen beyond the crucial 1.5C warming barrier, highlighting the need for immediate climate action.
Earlier in his first term, Mr. Trump pulled the US out of the Paris Accord, reports RTE.
In spite of this, the 195-party agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change seems certain to last.
The “door remains open” for Washington, according to Simon Stiell, the UN climate head, reports RTE.
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