Argentina’s President Javier Milei is considering exiting the Paris Climate Agreement, echoing former US President Trump’s actions. The country displayed its intentions by withdrawing delegates from COP29. While Argentina acknowledges climate change, it emphasizes a natural cycle rather than human impact. An exit could weaken global efforts against climate change and isolate Argentina economically.
Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, is contemplating a withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, reminiscent of former US President Donald Trump’s earlier exit. In November 2024, Argentina removed its delegates from the COP29 UN Climate Summit in Baku, sparking unease regarding the Paris Agreement’s stability. President Milei has publicly derided the climate crisis, referring to it as a “socialist lie.”
Argentina’s Foreign Minister, Gerardo Werthein, has indicated that the government is evaluating a potential exit from the UNFCCC, acknowledging climate change’s existence but viewing it as a natural cycle, rather than solely a human-induced phenomenon. This situation raises questions about the viability of Argentina actually exiting the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Climate Agreement, established in December 2015 during COP21, is a binding treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise. Enforced beginning November 4, 2016, the agreement strives to maintain global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Nations are required to submit progressively ambitious climate action plans every five years.
While Argentina could theoretically withdraw from the Paris agreement, the process is complex. The accord stipulates that exiting members must provide a 12-month notice to the UN. As the second-largest economy in South America and a significant greenhouse gas emitter, Argentina’s exit could inspire other countries to follow suit, jeopardizing collaborative global climate efforts.
Such a withdrawal could pose severe economic implications for Argentina, making it less favorable as a trading partner to nations prioritizing climate protection. Furthermore, the country may lose access to vital international climate financing and face potential exclusion from future global carbon markets.
The Paris Climate Agreement represents an international commitment to combat climate change, effective since 2016. It aims to limit global warming to significantly below 2 degrees Celsius. Participating countries are obligated to enhance their climate commitments every five years through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Argentina’s possible exit raises broader concerns about the agreement’s effectiveness and international climate policies.
In conclusion, Argentina’s potential exit from the Paris Climate Agreement mirrors past national actions that could weaken global climate efforts. The implications of such a withdrawal are extensive, affecting Argentina economically and diminishing collaborative environmental initiatives worldwide. Continued adherence to the agreement remains crucial for maintaining global efforts against climate change.
Original Source: www.outlookbusiness.com
