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President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Some shit you should know before you read: The Paris Climate Agreement, originally adopted in 2015 by nearly 200 countries, is an international treaty aimed at addressing the climate by requiring nations to set voluntary, progressively ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to update these commitments every five years, while also encouraging global investment in clean energy and climate resilience. Critics of the agreement argue that it imposes economic burdens on participating countries, mainly industrialized nations, while allowing significant emitters like China and India more flexibility in their commitments. Supporters, however, view it as an essential framework for global collaboration, stressing that addressing climate change is a shared responsibility and highlighting the economic opportunities in transitioning to renewable energy and sustainable practices.

What’s going on now: Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, a decision that echoes his move during his first term in 2017. Trump justified the withdrawal by prioritizing the use of US oil and gas reserves and arguing that the agreement imposes unfair economic constraints on the United States while benefiting competitors like China and India. In his inauguration speech, Trump stressed his focus on energy independence and job creation in traditional energy sectors, framing the decision as a defense of American workers and economic interests.
International reactions to the announcement have been largely critical, with many leaders and climate advocates warning of the broader implications for global climate efforts. Laurence Tubiana, one of the key architects of the Paris Agreement, described the withdrawal as “unfortunate” but expressed confidence in the “unstoppable economic momentum” behind the global transition to clean energy.
This all comes as President Trump vows to ramp up domestic oil production. Trump has signaled the potential revival of the Keystone XL pipeline, a controversial project President Biden canceled on his first day in office, citing environmental concerns and the need to shift toward clean energy. The Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada’s tar sands to the US, has long been a flashpoint in the climate debate, with proponents arguing it would create jobs and strengthen energy independence. At the same time, opponents point to its potential environmental damage and contribution to carbon emissions.