The U.S. Withdraws from the Paris Agreement: A Shift in Environmental Policy

What is the presidential action?

The President has issued an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and cutting off U.S. funding for international climate initiatives.

• The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations will submit formal withdrawal notification to the UN Secretary-General.
• All U.S. financial commitments to global climate programs are revoked, including the International Climate Finance Plan.
• The U.S. will no longer adhere to climate policies established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Government agencies are directed to prioritize economic efficiency and American energy production in future international negotiations.

This decision reverses previous policies and repositions U.S. environmental strategy toward domestic energy growth.

What is the historical context for this presidential action?

1. What is the Paris Agreement?

• Signed in 2015, the Paris Climate Agreement is a global accord to combat climate change by limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. (Source: United Nations Climate Change, 2015)
• Over 190 nations are signatories, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through nationally determined contributions (NDCs). (Source: UNFCCC, 2023)

2. U.S. Commitments & Financial Contributions

• The Obama Administration committed to reducing U.S. emissions by 26-28% by 2025. (Source: U.S. State Department, 2015)
• The U.S. pledged $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support developing nations’ climate efforts. (Source: U.S. Treasury, 2016)
• Under the Biden Administration, climate finance funding increased to $11 billion per year. (Source: White House Climate Report, 2023)

3. Past Withdrawals and Re-Entries

• 2017: The Trump Administration announced withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, arguing it hurt American jobs and was unfair to the U.S. economy. (Source: White House Press Briefing, 2017)
• 2021: The Biden Administration rejoined the agreement, emphasizing the U.S. role in global climate leadership. (Source: White House Executive Order, 2021)
• 2025: The new administration withdraws again, citing economic and sovereignty concerns.

(Sources: UNFCCC Climate Reports, U.S. State Department, White House Policy Briefs, 2025)

Why this presidential action has been taken (intent)?

The President’s justification for leaving the Paris Agreement includes:

1. Economic Burden on the U.S.
   • The U.S. pays far more than other countries in climate aid.
   • China contributes 90% less than the U.S. despite being the world’s largest emitter. (Source: UNFCCC, 2024)
2. Energy & Job Growth Prioritization
   • Fossil fuel industries support millions of American jobs.
   • Regulatory climate policies impact U.S. manufacturing and energy production.
3. Global Climate Agreements Are Ineffective
   • Many signatory countries fail to meet their climate targets. (Source: Climate Action Tracker, 2024)
   • The U.S. has reduced CO2 emissions more than most signatories without international mandates. (Source: EPA Report, 2024)

(Sources: UN Climate Finance Reports, Congressional Research Service, EPA Emissions Data, 2025)

What is the impact on people (short term and long term)?

Short-Term Impact:

✅ Energy and manufacturing industries benefit, as climate regulations on fossil fuels are reduced.
✅ Redirection of U.S. taxpayer money, no longer funding global climate programs.
❌ Criticism from climate advocacy groups and international allies.

Long-Term Impact:

🔴 Potential global diplomatic backlash, as allies see the U.S. as abandoning international commitments.
🔴 Climate risks may increase, as fewer resources go to mitigation efforts.
🔴 Market uncertainty – American businesses investing in clean energy may face disruptions.

(Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Global Climate Policy Studies, Environmental Reports, 2025)

What are the performance and impact parameters?

To evaluate whether this decision was effective, key metrics include:

📌 Economic Growth Data – Do industries grow after regulatory rollbacks?
📌 CO2 Emissions Trends – Will the U.S. maintain emission reductions without international agreements?
📌 Global Diplomatic Response – Does this damage international relations and trade agreements?

(Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, EPA Emissions Tracking, State Department Reports, 2025)

How is this executive order perceived across ideologies?

• Does Withdrawal Actually Reduce Emissions?
  • The U.S. already reduced emissions more than many signatories due to technological advancements and private-sector innovation.
• Does This Strengthen National Sovereignty?
  • By ending global financial commitments, the U.S. gains full control over climate funding decisions.
• Will Businesses Keep Green Investments?
  • Many corporations have already committed to net-zero goals and may continue green initiatives despite federal withdrawal.

Public & Political Reactions

• Right (Conservatives):
  • Strongly support the withdrawal, seeing the Paris Agreement as an economic burden.
  • Applaud the move as protecting American jobs and industry.
• Moderates (Centrists):
  • Mixed reaction, with some supporting economic benefits but concerned about climate diplomacy.
• Progressives (Leftists):
  • Outraged, viewing this as a betrayal of global climate commitments.
  • Fear it damages U.S. credibility and accelerates climate risks.
• Corporate & Business Community:
  • Divided response, as energy sectors support the decision, while clean tech companies express concern.

(Sources: Gallup Polling, Political Science Review, Congressional Statements, 2025)

Is this executive order legal according to the Constitution?

✅ Yes, the President has authority to withdraw from international agreements under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. (Source: U.S. Supreme Court Precedents)
✅ There are no legal barriers to withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, as it is not a treaty ratified by Congress. (Source: UNFCCC Legal Framework, 2025)

(Sources: U.S. Constitution, State Department Legal Briefs, Supreme Court Rulings, 2025)

The withdrawal from the Paris Agreement marks a major shift in U.S. climate and economic policy.

• Supporters believe it protects American workers and industries.
• Critics warn it isolates the U.S. from global climate efforts.
• The long-term impact on climate, economy, and diplomacy remains uncertain.