Trump Announces Withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord and Ends Electric Vehicle Mandate
Washington: In a bold move, President Donald Trump announced on Monday the United States' intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord for a second time. This decision marks a significant setback for global efforts to combat climate change as the world faces increasingly severe weather events attributed to rising temperatures. Alongside the withdrawal, Trump declared a "national energy emergency" aimed at enhancing drilling within the U.S., the world's leading oil and gas producer. The administration also plans to eliminate stringent pollution standards for vehicles, which Trump has criticized as an "electric vehicle mandate."
The White House confirmed the withdrawal, emphasizing that a formal notice to the United Nations is necessary for the exit process, which could take up to a year. This action has raised concerns that it could encourage other major polluters, including China and India, to reduce their own climate commitments amid a growing urgency for global climate action.
Global average temperatures have recently exceeded the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, further highlighting the need for swift climate initiatives. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation, expressed disappointment over the U.S. decision but reassured that international climate cooperation remains robust.
In his inaugural address, Trump outlined various energy-related policies intended to dismantle President Biden’s climate agenda. He framed his actions as part of a broader effort to revive the U.S. economy through increased fossil fuel production, a sentiment echoed by industry leaders who support a “return to American energy dominance.” However, environmental advocates criticized the administration's focus on fossil fuels, arguing that it undermines progress toward addressing climate change, with experts highlighting its alignment with a concerning trend of increasing weather-related disasters.
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