U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
Trump’s exit from the Paris Agreement weakens global climate efforts, especially since the U.S. is a major contributor to carbon emissions, responsible for over a fifth of global CO2 emissions.
The U.S. has consistently failed to meet climate obligations, from avoiding the Kyoto Protocol to withdrawing from binding commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The shift from legally binding targets (Kyoto) to voluntary contributions (Paris) was mainly due to domestic political constraints in the U.S.
Impact on Global Climate Action
The U.S. withdrawal places more responsibility on other countries, particularly emerging economies, increasing their climate mitigation burdens.
Developing nations face rising inequality, with fewer resources for adaptation, energy access, and development, while also being pushed towards rapid decarbonization.
The U.S. and other rich nations have reduced climate aid, further hindering the development prospects of poorer nations.
Reaction and Failures of Market Solutions
Some suggest that the U.S. withdrawal creates private sector investment opportunities in green technologies, but this has not led to meaningful emissions reductions.
Despite market-driven solutions, fossil fuel dependence in the U.S. and EU remains high, with over 80% and 70% of their energy coming from fossil fuels, respectively.
Academics and civil society in the global North have often promoted the idea that sub-national efforts can substitute for national action, but these efforts remain largely ineffective
Advice for Developing Countries
Developing countries must avoid the illusion that they can compensate for the U.S.'s withdrawal and should not expect more than rhetoric from developed countries.
They must stick to multilateralism as climate change is a global challenge, and focus on adaptation alongside emissions reductions.
While climate leadership should be pursued, countries like India should also prioritize bridging development gaps and ensuring a fairer burden-sharing in global climate action.
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