On US withdrawal from the Paris Agrreement

The USA withdrawing from climate accords, like the Paris Agreement, is considered a bad thing because it undermines global efforts to combat climate change, weakens America’s leadership on the international stage, hinders the development of clean energy technologies, and could potentially incentivize other countries to lessen their own climate action, potentially leading to more severe climate impacts worldwide

Why USA withdrawal is negative:

Reduced global cooperation:

The US as a major emitter ¹, in withdrawing from climate agreements sends a message that it is not committed to addressing climate change, which can discourage other countries from taking strong action.

Loss of influence:

By stepping away from international climate negotiations, the US risks losing leverage to shape global climate policy and promote its interests in the clean energy market.

Economic impacts:

The transition to clean energy represents a significant economic opportunity, and withdrawing from climate accords could put the US at a disadvantage as other countries invest in renewable technologies.

Environmental consequences:

With less global commitment to emissions reduction, the potential for more severe climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, increases.

Negative perception:

The USA’s withdrawing from climate agreements is often seen as a sign of disregard for environmental concerns and can damage the country’s international reputation.

At the small island state level, USA’s withdrawal minimises opportunities for funding, technical partnerships as well as network diversity. The chances of the US under the Trump led administration reversing its stance on climate change are slim, considering its thrust to the ‘drill-baby-drill’ mode. As it is, concerns about global progress to the 2030 climate agenda is mounting.