UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the importance of the United States remaining engaged in the international climate process to prevent a weakened Paris Agreement. His comments come amid concerns that former President Donald Trump may attempt to withdraw the U.S. from the accord again if he wins the upcoming presidential election.
Guterres characterized the potential U.S. exit as a loss comparable to losing a vital body part, highlighting the critical role the country plays in the global climate framework.
Guterres noted that while the Paris Agreement could technically survive a U.S. withdrawal, it would be significantly impaired, akin to a “crippled” agreement. He stressed the necessity for the U.S. to actively participate and adopt policies that support the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Such policies are essential not only for the integrity of the agreement but also for fostering international collaboration on climate action.
UN Secretary-General Warns of Consequences if US Withdraws from Paris Agreement Under TrumpThe potential implications of a second Trump presidency could lead to a complete withdrawal from the UN climate negotiating framework, which might embolden other nations to follow suit. This trend poses a significant risk of escalating global temperatures and increasing extreme weather events. Guterres warned that the domino effect of countries leaving the agreement could result in dire consequences for the planet, underscoring the need for unified action against climate change.
Historically, the U.S. has been a pivotal player in the Paris Agreement, having initially withdrawn under Trump’s administration in 2020 after announcing plans to exit in 2017. However, President Joe Biden quickly reinstated the U.S. as an active participant on his first day in office in January 2021. The ongoing U.S. commitment to the agreement is crucial for maintaining its strength and effectiveness as a global framework for climate action.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, climate change has not been a central campaign issue, but Trump’s previous denial of climate science and intentions to increase fossil fuel investment raise alarms among climate experts. Michael Mann, a prominent climate scientist, cautioned that a second Trump term could undermine any meaningful climate action and jeopardize efforts to stabilize global warming within the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.