EU braces for climate challenges as Trump eyes Paris Agreement withdrawal

Global climate diplomacy could face setbacks if Donald Trump, set to retake the presidency, exits the Paris Agreement once again.

Kate Abnett and Christian Levaux report for Reuters.

In short:

• The European Union's climate chief warned that a U.S. departure from the Paris Agreement would harm international climate negotiations.
• Trump’s team is reportedly drafting orders to exit the agreement, echoing his first term’s policies.
• The EU is preparing climate plans but will miss a February deadline, aiming for completion by the U.N. climate summit in November.

Key quote:

“If that were to happen, that would be a serious blow for international climate diplomacy.”

— Wopke Hoekstra, EU climate commissioner

Why this matters:

The U.S. is the world’s second-largest emitter, and its role is pivotal in global climate pacts. A withdrawal could embolden other nations to slow their commitments, undermining efforts to address escalating climate impacts.