Trump Withdraws US from Paris Agreement Again

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump initiated the United States’ second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move that has significant implications for both domestic and international climate policies.

Background: The Paris Climate Agreement

Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a global accord aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The agreement encourages countries to set and achieve their own emission reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Trump’s First Withdrawal (2017)

In 2017, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, citing economic disadvantages and unfair treatment of the U.S. compared to other nations. This decision was met with widespread international criticism and concern over the U.S.’s role in global climate efforts.

Biden’s Rejoining (2021)

Upon taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden reversed the withdrawal, rejoining the Paris Agreement and committing the U.S. to ambitious climate goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035.

Trump’s Second Withdrawal (2025)

In his second term, President Trump has once again initiated the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. During his inaugural parade on January 20, 2025, he signed an executive order stating, “I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off.” This action places the U.S. alongside Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only countries outside the accord.

Implications for Global Climate Efforts

The U.S. withdrawal is expected to take effect within a year. This decision undermines global efforts to combat climate change, potentially encouraging other nations to scale back their commitments. The U.S., as the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, plays a crucial role in global climate initiatives. Experts warn that this move could lead to increased global warming and exacerbate climate-related disasters.

Global Reactions

International leaders have expressed concern over the U.S. withdrawal. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, stating that the EU will “stay the course on climate action.” The United Nations’ climate chief, Simon Stiell, noted that the global energy transition is unstoppable despite “crisis fatigue.”

Summary of the news

Key Point	Details
Why in News	On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement for the second time, citing economic disadvantages and unfair treatment under the accord. The U.S. joins Iran, Libya, and Yemen as non-signatory nations.
Paris Climate Agreement	Adopted in 2015, it aims to limit global warming to below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Each country submits Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Trump’s First Withdrawal (2017)	In 2017, Trump exited the agreement, claiming it hurt U.S. economic interests, sparking global criticism.
Biden’s Rejoining (2021)	President Biden reversed Trump’s decision in 2021, rejoining the agreement and setting ambitious U.S. climate goals.
Global Reactions (2025)	EU reaffirmed its commitment to the accord. UN climate chief emphasized the global energy transition as unstoppable despite challenges.
U.S. Emissions Status	The U.S. is the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, making its role in climate agreements crucial.
Withdrawal Timeline	The withdrawal process will take a year to be completed.