President Donald Trump has officially ordered the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a significant international treaty aimed at combating climate change.This decision, announced in a Presidential Memorandum, has been met with strong backlash from environmentalists and global leaders alike, who argue it undermines efforts to address the climate crisis.
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euronews.comThe UNFCCC, adopted in 1992, serves as the foundation for global climate cooperation and was instrumental in the development of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which the US had previously exited.
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euronews.comTrump's latest move is part of a broader directive that includes withdrawing from over 60 international organizations and treaties, many of which focus on climate change and environmental protection.
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euronews.comIn his memorandum, Trump stated that remaining a member of these international agreements is "contrary to the interests of the US" and that they impose unfair burdens on the American economy.
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whitehouse.govThis aligns with his administration's ongoing efforts to promote fossil fuel production while rolling back regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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euronews.comCritics of the withdrawal have expressed concern that it will exacerbate the already dire climate situation.Dr Rachel Cleetus from the Union of Concerned Scientists described the decision as a "new low" for the Trump administration, emphasizing that it reflects a disregard for scientific consensus and a retreat from global leadership.
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euronews.comShe warned that this action could lead to increased isolation for the US on the world stage, further jeopardizing its credibility and relationships with allies.
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euronews.comThe implications of this withdrawal extend beyond international relations.David Widawsky, director of the World Resources Institute, characterized the decision as a "strategic blunder" that could result in lost economic opportunities for American businesses and communities as other nations advance in the clean energy sector.
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euronews.comHe noted that the US risks falling behind as countries like those in the European Union ramp up investments in renewable energy, which are projected to create millions of jobs.
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euronews.comIn response to the announcement, Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UNFCCC, stated that the "doors remain open" for the US to rejoin the agreement in the future.He cautioned that the withdrawal could harm the US economy and living standards as climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe.
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euronews.comStiell highlighted that the ongoing global energy transition is "unstoppable," with significant investments being made in renewable energy sources.
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cnbc.comThe Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the UNFCCC is part of a larger pattern of disengagement from multilateral agreements, which has included previous withdrawals from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO).This trend raises questions about the future of US participation in international governance and its commitment to addressing global challenges.
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carnegieendowment.orgAs the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the US withdrawal from the UNFCCC signals a retreat from collective action that many experts believe is essential for a sustainable future.The decision has sparked a renewed call for states and local governments within the US to take the lead in climate action, as they may be left to fill the void left by federal disengagement.
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euronews.comIn conclusion, Trump's order to withdraw from the UN climate agreement marks a pivotal moment in US environmental policy, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing national economic interests over global cooperation.The long-term consequences of this decision remain to be seen, but it is clear that the path forward will require significant efforts from both domestic and international actors to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
