The EU warns that global climate efforts will be severely impacted if President-elect Donald Trump withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Agreement again. Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra highlights the need for collective action against climate change. Despite the challenges posed by the U.S. withdrawal, the EU plans to finalize its 2035 climate plan by the 2025 UN climate summit in Brazil, aiming for an ambitious commitment in global climate diplomacy.
In a recent warning, the European Union’s head of climate change policy, Wopke Hoekstra, stated that global initiatives to combat climate change would suffer greatly should President-elect Donald Trump decide to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement once again. Trump’s transition team is reportedly preparing executive orders for such a withdrawal, which would be detrimental to international climate diplomacy. Hoekstra emphasized the necessity for global collaboration in addressing the indiscriminate nature of climate change, noting that no alternative exists but for all nations to contribute.
The Paris Agreement serves as a vital framework for nearly 200 countries engaging in discussions to reduce emissions and finance climate initiatives. Historically, the United States, as the world’s second-largest polluter, has played a significant role in these negotiations. Trump’s presidency is expected to shift this dynamic, especially given his previous remarks dismissing climate change as a hoax and his earlier withdrawal from the accord during his first term from 2017 to 2021. In light of this potential shift, Mr. Hoekstra expressed a commitment to constructively engage with the new U.S. administration on climate-related matters, underscoring the need to maintain collaboration across different political affiliations.
Despite encouragement for the EU to bolster its climate leadership amidst a possible U.S. retreat, the European bloc is facing a challenge regarding the timely submission of new national climate plans to the United Nations. However, Hoekstra assured that the EU would have its climate plan for 2035 finalized by the upcoming UN climate summit slated for November 2025 in Belem, Brazil. He pledges that the EU will present an ambitious commitment at that juncture, emphasizing the importance of a robust plan as the EU engages with international partners.
The Paris Agreement, established as a cornerstone of global climate negotiations, aims to unify nearly 200 countries in combating climate change through collective efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions and secure funding. The United States, being a leading emitter of carbon, has historically been instrumental in these discussions, particularly through collaboration with China, which is currently the largest polluter. However, political shifts, particularly under President Trump’s stance on climate issues, raise questions about the future of U.S. involvement and its influence on global climate policies.
In conclusion, the potential withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement under President Trump poses a significant threat to international climate efforts. The EU is determined to engage with the new administration while ensuring its ambitious climate plans are ready for future negotiations. The collaborative approach emphasizes the urgency for all nations to unite in addressing climate change effectively, as it remains a pressing global challenge that transcends borders.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
