The decision for the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement took effect on 27/1, exactly one year after President Donald Trump signed the executive order removing the world's largest historical greenhouse gas emitter from global efforts to combat climate change.

President Trump previously withdrew the United States from the Paris climate accord during his first term, but his successor Joe Biden rejoined the agreement.

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated that President Trump is withdrawing the United States from "extreme international agreements." "The United States has officially exited the Paris Climate Agreement, which undermines national values and priorities, wastes taxpayer money, and hinders economic growth. This is a victory for the 'America First' policy," spokesperson Rogers said.

President Donald Trump at the White House on 27/1. Photo: AFP

The move makes the United States the only nation to withdraw from the agreement, while Iran, Libya, and Yemen are among the few countries that have not joined. This will not disrupt global climate efforts, but experts believe it will add further complications to these activities.

Israel appears to be considering similar action to the United States.

President Trump signed the executive order to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on his first day in office for his second term, citing reasons of "unfairness and bias." "The United States will not destroy its industries while China pollutes with impunity," President Trump stated.

The move is largely symbolic, reflecting a broader shift by the United States away from climate policies.

The Trump administration supports fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming, and avoids renewable energy sources. They are expected to soon repeal the 2009 decision that identified climate change as a threat to public health, along with accompanying clean car regulations.

Governments agreed upon the Paris climate agreement in 2015, aiming to limit global warming to below 1,5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels to avert the worst impacts of climate change. President Trump considers global warming a "hoax."

The Earth has already warmed beyond 1,5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Sustaining temperatures above this threshold for an extended period will lead to extreme weather events, resulting in increased fatalities, impacting biodiversity, and causing sea levels to rise.

Huyen Le (According to Hill, NY Times, Guardian)