Trump Orders US Exit From Climate Pact, Targets Green Goals
About 75% of climate spending approved under Biden went to Republican-led districts.
WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump moved to withdraw the United States from the global climate agreement and dismantle key environmental policies Monday, marking his first actions after returning to the White House, writes Winston Mwale.
The executive orders will start a one-year process to exit the Paris Climate Accord for the second time, making the U.S. the only nation among 193 parties to withdraw twice.
Trump also declared an "energy emergency" while targeting wind power, electric vehicle incentives, and other climate initiatives.
"Climate change-related disasters do not conform to political ideologies," said Jiwoh Abdulai, Sierra Leone's environment minister.
"We need continued multilateral commitment to collective action, reduction of greenhouse gases, especially by countries with historical responsibility."
The orders aim to roll back multiple Biden administration climate programs, including the American Climate Corps and clean vehicle standards.
Trump also falsely cited the "Green New Deal," legislation that never advanced in Congress.
Climate scientists warned the moves could accelerate global warming as the U.S., responsible for 13.5% of global emissions, steps back from climate commitments.
"The world cannot afford to see the largest greenhouse gas emitter per capita disengage from an agreement that is already under significant strain," said Faten Aggad, executive director of the African Future Policies Hub.
"Truth be told, we need the U.S. to act seriously."
While the U.S. will remain in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, its participation will be severely limited.
The administration indicated it may not send delegations to major climate meetings.
"The cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of action," said Dr Joyce Kimutai of Imperial College London.
"Vulnerable communities, who have contributed the least to this crisis, are bearing the heaviest burdens."
During the withdrawal period, Trump can choose whether to participate in climate meetings or events.
A future president could rejoin the agreement with 30 days' notice.
The moves target policies that added over 775,000 manufacturing jobs during the Biden administration through climate-related legislation, according to the labour group Bluegreen Alliance.
About 75% of climate spending approved under Biden went to Republican-led districts.
Christopher Trisos, a climate researcher at the University of Cape Town, said: "The Trump administration pulling out of the Paris Agreement doesn't change the fact that increasing burning of coal, oil, and gas only makes climate change worse. Running away from it is impossible."