President Donald Trump has taken yet another step to steer the United States away from global climate action. On Monday, he signed an executive order directing the country to withdraw from the landmark Paris climate agreement. This move, echoing his first withdrawal in 2017, has rekindled domestic and international debate over America’s role in combating climate change.
This announcement comes at a critical juncture. Climate scientists warn that the world has already warmed by 2.3°F (1.3°C) above preindustrial levels, nearing the critical thresholds set by the Paris accord. Trump, however, asserts that the agreement undermines U.S. sovereignty and directs taxpayer money to unworthy causes.
Why the Paris Accord Matters
Adopted by 196 nations in 2015, the Paris Agreement aims to curb global warming to well below 3.6°F (2°C) above preindustrial levels, with an aspirational goal of limiting the rise to 2.7°F (1.5°C). It mandates nations to set and update emissions targets, ensuring increasing rigor in climate actions over time.
The U.S. withdrawal process takes a year, meaning Trump’s directive may have long-term ramifications. The outgoing Biden administration had recently committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035—goals now likely abandoned.
According to an Associated Press-NORC poll, nearly half of Americans “somewhat” or “strongly” oppose the decision to exit the Paris accord. Even within Trump’s Republican base, there is significant ambivalence: fewer than half favor withdrawal, while about 20% oppose it outright. Laurence Tubiana, a key architect of the Paris Agreement, lamented the decision but emphasized that global momentum for climate action persists. “The U.S. risks forfeiting its leadership position in a rapidly growing clean energy economy,” she said.
USA Climate Policy Under Trump Administration
Trump framed the move as a defense of American interests, arguing that the Paris accord imposes unfair burdens on the U.S. while benefiting other nations, particularly China. Yet, critics highlight the economic opportunities the U.S. may forgo.
The International Energy Agency projects the global clean energy market will surpass $2 trillion by 2035. Former White House climate advisor Gina McCarthy noted that clean technologies are already reducing energy costs and creating jobs domestically. Ignoring this transition could send investments—and their benefits—to competitor economies.
The withdrawal process will unfold over the coming year, with the potential to influence global climate negotiations and geopolitics. Experts caution that sustained disengagement from climate efforts could embolden other nations, like China, to ease off their own commitments. Meanwhile, wildfires in California, hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, and rising temperatures worldwide serve as stark reminders of the growing urgency to act.