The Paris Climate Accord, adopted on December 12, 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, is a landmark international treaty designed to combat climate change. Its central goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to cap the increase at 1.5°C. This agreement, involving 194 countries, aims to mitigate the effects of climate change by promoting low greenhouse gas emissions development while ensuring food security.
The accord operates on a five-year cycle, during which countries submit and update their national climate action plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). These plans outline strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change’s adverse impacts. The agreement also provides financial, technical, and capacity-building support to nations in need.
On Monday, former US President Donald Trump announced the country’s second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, citing it as an “unfair, one-sided rip-off.” Trump initially exited the accord in 2019, but his successor, Joe Biden, re-entered it upon assuming office in January 2021. Trump’s decision, motivated by prioritizing fossil fuel industries and short-term economic interests, has drawn widespread criticism.
Harjeet Singh, Founding Director of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, condemned the move, highlighting its disregard for the health and well-being of vulnerable communities, particularly those already experiencing severe climate events such as wildfires and storms. “The US is prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term global sustainability,” Singh emphasized.
The withdrawal weakens global climate mitigation efforts, particularly in developing nations that contribute the least to global emissions but are disproportionately affected by climate change. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and a key architect of the Paris Agreement, stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the climate crisis. She called for reforms to ensure that frontline communities are central to global climate governance.
Despite setbacks like the US withdrawal, the agreement’s framework remains robust, with other nations maintaining their commitments to combat climate change. However, this incident underscores the need for unity and urgency in the face of a global climate emergency, as collective action is essential to securing a sustainable future.
The Paris Climate Accord remains a cornerstone of international climate policy, emphasizing that no single nation can tackle this crisis alone. Its success depends on global cooperation and unwavering commitment.
