Trump's withdrawal from Paris Agreement renews U.S. climate isolation

President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the Paris climate accord, signed hours after his inauguration, sets the stage for a rollback of climate policies amid worsening global climate crises.

Sara Schonhardt, Zack Colman and Karl Mathiesen report for POLITICO.

In short:

Trump ordered an immediate withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, bypassing its one-year notice requirement and framing the accord as a burden on U.S. industries.
His administration aims to expand fossil fuel production, reversing Biden-era clean energy policies, despite a rising global push for emissions reductions.
Critics warn the U.S. exit undermines international climate efforts, jeopardizing the 1.5-degree Celsius warming target and giving China a competitive edge in clean energy.

Key quote:

“By leaving the Paris Agreement, this administration has abdicated its responsibility to protect the American people and our national security.”

— Gina McCarthy, former EPA administrator, Biden climate advisor and America Is All In co-chair

Why this matters:

Climate change accelerates as nations falter in addressing fossil fuel use. The U.S., the world’s second-largest emitter, plays a crucial role in global action. Without federal leadership, efforts by states and cities may not counteract the broader impacts of renewed fossil fuel policies.

www.politico.com

Trump's withdrawal from Paris Agreement renews U.S. climate isolation

European, island states seek clear future for global roadmap to cut fossil fuels

As the world heats up, cities work to cool down

Idaho Surface Water Coalition says severely needed water supply ‘simply is not there’

The “clean energy” mine that could put one of America’s most pristine wilderness areas at risk

What's driving up your expenses? Many Americans say climate change

Inside the campaign to discredit a key climate science report

Why the media keep quoting the same climate scientist

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.