Context: On his first day as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump made waves by signing several executive orders, including withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO). This marked the second time Trump initiated the U.S.’s exit from the Paris Agreement, having previously done so during his first term. The earlier withdrawal, a lengthy process, was swiftly reversed by the Biden administration in 2021.
The Paris Agreement
- Definition:
- An international treaty that legally binds its signatories to combat climate change.
- Adoption and Entry into Force:
- Adopted in 2015 as a historic global effort to limit warming and address climate impacts.
- Came into effect on 4 November 2016 after ratification by at least 55 countries representing 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Key Objectives:
- Limit global warming to below 1.5°C by the end of the century.
- Develop resilience to the effects of climate change.
- Main Elements:
- Long-term Goal: Keep the global average temperature increase under 1.5°C.
- Transparency: Countries report progress to ensure accountability and public oversight.
- Contributions: Nations submit action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Solidarity: Provide climate finance to help vulnerable nations reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
Reference: WH
