Description

Source: DTE

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

After re-election, Trump has started the process of exiting the Paris agreement again, which will be completed by 2026 because, withdrawal will take 1 year to become official, according to agreement's rules.

However, US has announced it will still be part of the Conference of Parties (COP) meetings for more 1 year.

US will attend the COP30 meeting in Brazil.

Background

The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 which aimed to limit the rise in global temperatures to below 2°C to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. US led by President Obama played an important role in this & agreed to reduce its emissions & to fund climate efforts worldwide. However, US changed its stand on the agreement many times.

In 2017, former President Trump announced that US would leave the Paris Agreement, & formal exit process was completed in November 2020.

Rejoining under Biden (2021): On his first day in office, President Biden again rejoined the Paris Agreement & showing commitment to climate action.

The 30th session of the COP30 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is going to be held in Belém, Brazil from November 10 to 21, 2025.

Key Developments & Global Impact

The US have been a major contributor to climate finance, because of this US was providing about $11 billion to developing countries in 2024.
But this blockage in financing is threatening important climate projects, especially for vulnerable countries such as small island states & African nations.

Global Challenges:

This US withdrawal can slow down global efforts to reduce emissions.
After the US began its first withdrawal in 2017, global CO2 emissions rose by 1.7% in 2018.
China can lead in pushing for green energy as the US steps back & China also met its renewable energy goals ahead of schedule.
Developing countries which depend on US climate funding are now at risk.
This is being seen as a direct threat to their survival in the fight against climate change.

What Happens Next?

Other countries may follow the US’s example & they also can reduce their climate actions so they can focus more on economic growth or energy security rather than environmental protection.
Countries like the European Union & China may lead global climate actions. They can work with local governments & businesses to push renewable energy.
Other countries may put pressure on the US to take more climate action, possibly through penalties, taxes & other forms of accountability for its past emissions.

The US’s Global Influence: Beyond Paris

Even though the US is leaving the Paris Agreement but it still has strong global influence:

The US dollar is the most important currency for international trade.
The US has the strongest military in the world.
The US plays an important role in the World Trade Organization.
The US is the biggest owner of the World Bank & it has the most votes in the International Monetary Fund.
The US gives 22% of the money to the UN's climate change group and is the biggest funder of the UN overall.
UN Security Council: The US has veto power in the UN Security Council.

History of US Climate Action

The US has mostly resisted strong climate action. It didn't agree with the Kyoto Protocol's emission targets for rich countries and made sure that money for climate damage isn't linked to blame and compensation.
Climate Money: The US hasn't given as much money as it should to help poorer countries fight climate change.

The Kyoto Protocol was an international agreement
It sets binding targets for industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It was adopted in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 & entered into force in 2005.
The main goal of the Kyoto Protocol was to combat global warming by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Looking Forward

Many countries have good reasons to act on climate change, such as reducing air pollution, improving energy security, & creating new economic opportunities.
For example, solar power is set to become more important than coal in the European Union for the 1st time in 2024, & China has achieved its renewable energy target 6 years ahead of schedule.
Major developing countries such as Indonesia & India face many challenges. Indonesia's plan to phase out coal by 2040 may be difficult to achieve.
India is adding a lot of renewable energy but still has other major problems such as unemployment.
Poor countries face many problems such as unemployment, debt, inflation, and conflict, making climate action difficult.

What is COP?

Conference of the Parties is a main governing body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The UNFCCC is an international treaty which was signed in 1992 by 198 members (197 countries + the European Union).
It aims to address the global challenge of climate change.

Purpose of COP

It review national emissions, Monitor progress & Shape global climate policies

Key Achievements of COP:

Kyoto Protocol (1997) - COP3: It established emissions reduction targets for industrialized countries.
Copenhagen Accord (2009) - COP15: it introduced a 2°C global warming limit and funding for climate actions in developing countries.
Paris Agreement (2015) - COP21: it set goals to limit global warming to 1.5°C and introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Glasgow Pact (2021) - COP26: it committed to reducing coal usage and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
Loss and Damage Fund (2023) - COP28: It established a fund to provide financial support to countries affected by climate-related disasters.
COP29: November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Criticisms of COP

Failure to Deliver Climate Finance: Developed countries have not met their pledge to provide $100 billion annually to developing nations.
Insufficient Emission Reductions: Current pledges are insufficient to prevent dangerous climate impacts.

Source: DTE

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The United States' decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement once again has significant implications for global climate action. Discuss the potential consequences of this move on international climate efforts, especially for vulnerable countries. Also, analyze the role of COP in shaping global climate policies in light of the US's withdrawal.