USA WITHDRAW FROM THE PARIS AGREEMENT - ENVIRONMENT

USA Withdraw from the Paris Agreement  - ENVIRONMENT

NEWS: President Donald Trump has officially announced his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement for the second time.

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

  1. Decision to Withdraw
    • Trump’s stance on climate change is highly controversial, as he has repeatedly referred to it as a “hoax” and has emphasized the need to liberate the U.S. oil and gas industries from restrictive environmental regulations.
  2. Historical Context
    • During his first term in office, Trump had already pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement.
    • His successor, President Joe Biden, reversed this decision, rejoining the accord in an effort to reinstate U.S. leadership in global climate initiatives.
  3. Impact of the Withdrawal
    • The U.S. is the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, making its participation in global climate agreements crucial for meaningful progress.
    • By expanding the extraction, use, and export of fossil fuels, Trump’s policies could severely undermine international efforts to meet the Paris Agreement targets.
  4. Global Climate Challenges
    • The Paris Agreement requires global emissions to be cut by at least 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
    • However, current policies and actions are projected to reduce emissions by only 2%, highlighting a significant gap in global efforts to combat climate change.

Paris Agreement: Goals and Processes

  1. Overview and Objectives
    • The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark international treaty aimed at addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
    • Its primary objective is to limit global warming to “well below” 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of keeping it below 1.5°C.
  2. The Safer Limit of 1.5°C
    • Scientific studies underpin the importance of the 1.5°C threshold, as breaching it could lead to irreversible damage to vulnerable ecosystems and regions.
    • Prolonged exposure to higher temperatures poses severe risks to biodiversity, human health, and food security worldwide.
  3. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
    • Countries that are parties to the Paris Agreement are required to submit NDCs every five years, outlining their planned actions to mitigate climate change.
    • Each NDC must demonstrate higher ambition than the previous one, reflecting the progressive nature of the agreement’s commitments.

 

 Process for Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

  1. Legal Framework for Withdrawal (Article 28)
    • According to Article 28 of the Paris Agreement, a country can initiate its withdrawal only after three years from the date the treaty came into force for that country (which began in 2016).
    • The withdrawing country must submit a formal written notification to the UN Depositary, initiating the withdrawal process.
  2. Timeline and Effectiveness
    • The withdrawal becomes effective one year after the notification is received, or at a later date specified by the withdrawing country.
    • During the one-year waiting period, the country remains obligated to participate in all Paris Agreement activities and commitments.
  3. Notification Procedure
    • The formal notification of withdrawal must be sent to the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, headquartered in New York.
    • The process ensures a structured exit, allowing time for the global community to prepare for the change in dynamics.

 

Key Organizations and Frameworks

Conference of the Parties (COP)

  1. Role and Structure of COP
    • The COP is the governing body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and includes 198 parties—197 countries and the European Union.
    • It provides a platform for international negotiations, policymaking, and collaboration to address climate change challenges.
  2. Major Milestones from Past COPs
    • COP3 (Kyoto, 1997): Adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, which mandated industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it faced opposition from wealthier nations and was not sustained.
    • COP21 (Paris, 2015): The Paris Agreement was adopted, creating a legally binding framework for countries to collectively limit global warming to below 2°C, with a goal of 1.5°C.
    • COP26 (Glasgow, 2021): Delegates agreed to "phase down" the use of coal and eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, though the language was softened during negotiations.
    • COP28 (Dubai, 2023): The Loss and Damage fund was launched to support countries that suffer from climate-related disasters.

 

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

  1. Foundation and Purpose
    • The IPCC was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
    • It serves as the leading international body for assessing scientific knowledge related to climate change.
  2. Primary Objectives
    • To produce comprehensive assessment reports that analyze the latest climate science and provide evidence-based recommendations.
    • To publish special reports and methodologies that offer guidance for policymakers and stakeholders on strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

 

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-key-the-47th-us-president-undocking-of-a-satellite-and-buddhism-in-india-9791714/