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.

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