Essay: Paris Agreement on Climate Change

Introduction

The International Relations Between the US, Developing Countries, and Key Players China and the EU Concerning the Paris Agreement on Climate Change

The Paris Agreement on climate change is a landmark international accord aimed at addressing the global threat posed by climate change. By uniting nearly every nation in a common cause, the agreement seeks to limit global temperature increases to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. However, the withdrawal of a key player like the United States from this agreement has profound implications, not only for global climate efforts but also for the geopolitical landscape. This essay explores the consequences of the US’s decision to exit the Paris Agreement, with a focus on its impact on international relations, particularly with developing countries and key players such as China and the European Union (EU).

Executive Summary

As the climate continues to change at an accelerating pace, the impacts are being felt globally, necessitating coordinated international action. The Paris Agreement was established to create a unified front to slow down and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the agreement’s success relies heavily on the cooperation of its signatories, making the recent withdrawal of the United States particularly significant.

The Paris Agreement is a voluntary, non-binding treaty that relies on the goodwill and commitment of the participating countries to achieve its goals. Its cornerstone is the global objective of keeping the rise in global average temperatures below 2°C, with efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5°C. The agreement established mechanisms for monitoring and accountability, with the aim of building momentum towards substantial greenhouse gas reductions.

The United States, as the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, played a critical role in the formation and potential success of the Paris Agreement. However, the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the accord has significant consequences for global climate governance. Despite the willingness of other key players, such as China and the EU, to move forward without the US, the withdrawal poses challenges for international cooperation and financial support for developing countries, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change.

This essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the implications of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, focusing on its impact on global climate efforts, international relations, and the specific effects on developing countries and key global players.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Executive Summary
3. The Paris Agreement
   • 3.1 Content
   • 3.2 Mitigation Provisions and Carbon Markets
   • 3.3 Adaptation Provisions
   • 3.4 Enhanced Transparency Framework
   • 3.5 Adoption
   • 3.6 Implementation
   • 3.7 Parties and Signatories
4. Withdrawal of the US
5. The Impact on China
   • 5.1 Point of View as a Key Player
   • 5.2 Outcomes
6. The Impact on the European Union
   • 6.1 Point of View as a Key Player
   • 6.2 Outcomes
7. The Impact on Developing Countries
   • 7.1 Point of View as a Developing Country
   • 7.2 Outcomes
8. The Impact on the United States
   • 8.1 Trump’s Point of View
   • 8.2 Point of View from the Different States
   • 8.3 Outcomes
9. Conclusion
10. References

1. The Paris Agreement

1.1 Content

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, represents a global effort to combat climate change by limiting the rise in global temperatures to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The agreement emphasizes the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), where each country sets its own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The global stocktake, conducted every five years, assesses the collective progress of nations towards achieving the long-term goals of the agreement.

1.2 Mitigation Provisions and Carbon Markets

The Paris Agreement includes provisions for carbon markets, which allow countries to trade emission reductions to meet their NDCs. This mechanism, known as the Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), aims to enhance the cost-effectiveness of emissions reductions. Additionally, the agreement establishes a sustainable development mechanism to support projects that reduce emissions while promoting sustainable development.

1.3 Adaptation Provisions

Adaptation is a key component of the Paris Agreement, recognizing the need for all countries, especially vulnerable developing nations, to strengthen their resilience to climate impacts. The agreement provides for financial and technical support to help these countries adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. The Adaptation Fund, established under the Kyoto Protocol, continues to play a significant role in providing financial resources for adaptation projects.

1.4 Enhanced Transparency Framework

The Paris Agreement introduces an enhanced transparency framework to track progress and ensure accountability. This framework requires countries to report on their emissions and the actions they are taking to meet their NDCs. The framework includes “built-in flexibility” to accommodate the varying capacities of developed and developing countries, allowing for differentiated reporting requirements.

1.5 Adoption

The adoption of the Paris Agreement was a landmark event in international climate diplomacy, involving years of negotiations and consensus-building. The agreement was formally adopted by consensus on December 12, 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France. This chapter outlines the steps leading to the adoption of the agreement, including the key negotiating positions of major blocs such as the G77, the EU, and the Umbrella Group.

1.6 Implementation

Implementation of the Paris Agreement is an ongoing process, with countries developing domestic policies and measures to achieve their NDCs. This chapter examines the strategies and challenges associated with implementing the agreement, including the role of sub-national actors, private sector involvement, and international cooperation.

1.7 Parties and Signatories

The Paris Agreement has been signed by 195 parties, with 190 ratifications as of 2021. This chapter provides an overview of the signatories, the process for ratification, and the implications of withdrawal, particularly in light of the United States’ decision to exit the agreement.

2. Withdrawal of the US

The US formally announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on June 1, 2017, with the withdrawal taking effect on November 4, 2020. This chapter explores the reasons behind the withdrawal, including economic and political factors, as well as the implications for the global climate regime. The chapter also discusses the legal process of withdrawal under the terms of the agreement, which required a three-year waiting period from the date of ratification before a country could notify its intent to withdraw.

3. The Impact on China

3.1 Point of View as a Key Player

China, as the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, plays a crucial role in global efforts to combat climate change. This section discusses China’s strategic interests in the Paris Agreement and its response to the US withdrawal. Despite the challenges posed by the US’s exit, China has reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement and has positioned itself as a leader in global climate diplomacy. The section also explores China’s domestic policies and initiatives to reduce emissions, including its commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

3.2 Outcomes

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has had mixed outcomes for China. On one hand, it has created opportunities for China to assert itself as a global leader in climate action, enhancing its soft power and influence in international negotiations. On the other hand, the withdrawal has increased the burden on China to achieve its climate goals, as it now faces greater scrutiny from the international community. Additionally, the lack of US participation may complicate global efforts to enhance ambition, as the absence of one of the world’s largest emitters could undermine collective progress.

4. The Impact on the European Union

4.1 Point of View as a Key Player

The European Union has long been a strong advocate for ambitious climate action, and the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has reinforced the EU’s resolve to lead global efforts. This section explores the EU’s perspective, including its commitment to the Paris goals and its strategy for maintaining international cooperation without the US. The EU has pledged to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and it has implemented a range of policies, including the European Green Deal, to achieve this target.

4.2 Outcomes

The EU faces both challenges and opportunities in the wake of the US withdrawal. While the absence of the US complicates global climate diplomacy, it also provides the EU with a chance to strengthen its leadership role and deepen partnerships with other nations, particularly China. The chapter also examines the EU’s efforts to mobilize climate finance for developing countries and its role in shaping global climate governance through initiatives such as the Climate Ambition Summit and the Leaders Summit on Climate.

5. The Impact on Developing Countries

5.1 Point of View as a Developing Country

Developing countries are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, yet they often lack the resources to adequately address these challenges. This section examines the perspectives of developing countries within the Paris Agreement, focusing on their reliance on financial and technological support from wealthier nations. The section also discusses the challenges faced by these countries in meeting their NDCs and adapting to climate impacts, as well as their expectations for increased ambition and support from developed countries.

5.2 Outcomes

The US withdrawal poses significant risks for developing countries, particularly in terms of reduced financial aid and support for adaptation efforts. This chapter explores the potential consequences for these nations, including the potential loss of funding from the Green Climate Fund and other sources of climate finance. The chapter also examines the broader implications for global climate equity and the prospects for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement in the absence of US leadership.

6. The Impact on the United States

6.1 Trump’s Point of View

President Trump justified the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on the grounds of protecting American jobs and sovereignty. This section outlines Trump’s rationale, including his views on the economic and political implications of remaining in the accord. Trump argued that the agreement imposed unfair economic burdens on the United States while allowing other countries, particularly China, to continue increasing their emissions. The section also discusses the domestic political context of the withdrawal, including the influence of climate skeptics and fossil fuel interests on the Trump administration’s decision.

6.2 Point of View from the Different States

Within the United States, the decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement has been met with mixed reactions. Several states, particularly those led by Democratic governors, have pledged to uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement independently. This section highlights the divergent responses among US states, with some forming coalitions like the United States Climate Alliance to continue pursuing climate action. The section also examines the role of cities, businesses, and civil society in driving sub-national climate efforts in the absence of federal leadership.

6.3 Outcomes

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has both short-term and long-term consequences for the country. While some industries may benefit from reduced regulatory burdens, the withdrawal also risks isolating the US from global climate efforts and undermining its influence in international negotiations. The chapter explores these outcomes in detail, including the potential economic and environmental costs of the withdrawal, as well as the implications for US leadership on the global stage.

Conclusion

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement represents a significant setback for global climate efforts, but it has also galvanized other nations and sub-national actors to reaffirm their commitment to combating climate change. The long-term success of the Paris Agreement will depend on the ability of the remaining signatories to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape and to continue building momentum toward a sustainable future. Despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal, the Paris Agreement remains a critical framework for global climate action, and the continued participation of key players like China and the EU will be essential to its success.

References

Chao, Q. (2017, September). U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: Reasons, impacts, and China’s response. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from ScienceDirect

• This article discusses the driving forces behind the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. It also assesses the influences of this withdrawal on the compliance prospects of the accord and proposes a response from China.

Schreurs, M. (2017, June 26). The European Union and the Paris Climate Agreement: Moving forward without the United States. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from Taylor & Francis Online

• This article is relevant to the chapters on the EU and China, discussing their perspectives on moving forward without the United States in the Paris Agreement. The EU’s stance of “making our planet great again” contrasts with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Collinson, S., & Gaouette, N. (2017, June 1). Trump and Europe don’t mix, and that will have lasting consequences. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from CNN

• This article is relevant to the chapters on the EU and the U.S., highlighting European leaders’ views on the U.S. withdrawal and its implications. Angela Merkel’s statement about the unreliability of others, and the incentive Trump gives the EU not to cooperate, are central to the discussion.

Parker, C., & Karlsson, C. (2018). Environmental Politics – The UN climate change negotiations and the role of the United States: Assessing American leadership from Copenhagen to Paris [E-book]. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from EBSCOhost

• This e-book examines the role of American leadership in the UN climate negotiations that led to the 2015 Paris Agreement. It argues that U.S. leadership was crucial to the successful adoption of the agreement, providing a significant reference for discussions on U.S. withdrawal.

Galston, W. (2017, November 20). Trump’s Paris Agreement withdrawal: What it means and what comes next. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from Brookings Institution

• This article assesses the outcomes of the U.S. withdrawal, including both positive and negative impacts. It is useful for chapters on the withdrawal and its implications for the U.S.

Bellora, C. (2018, January 28). US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: Can states lead the fight to reduce carbon emissions? Retrieved October 23, 2018, from The Conversation

• This article explores whether U.S. states can continue to meet climate goals despite the federal withdrawal. It is relevant to the discussion of the impact on the U.S., particularly regarding state-level actions.

Congressional Research Service. (2017). Withdrawal from International Agreements. Unknown: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.

• This book provides insights into the broader implications of withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Agreement, relevant to the first two chapters of the essay.

Deese, B. (2017). Paris Isn’t Burning: Why the Climate Agreement Will Survive Trump. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from HeinOnline

• This article explains how the Paris Agreement might endure despite Trump’s withdrawal. It is crucial for discussing the impacts on China and the EU.

Klein, D., Higham, A., Bulmer, J., & Doelle, M. (2017). The Paris Agreement on Climate Change (Rev. ed.). Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.

• This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Paris Agreement, essential for understanding its structure and implications, making it a key reference for multiple chapters.

Peek, L. (2018, June 5). China’s rising emissions prove Trump right on Paris Agreement. Retrieved October 23, 2018, from The Hill

• This article discusses the rising emissions in China post-U.S. withdrawal, providing a nuanced perspective that can be included in the analysis of outcomes for China and the U.S.

Martens, S. (2016-2017). Het klimaatakkoord van Parijs gewikt en gewogen. Retrieved from UGent Library

• This report focuses on whether the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a beneficial step forward for developing countries, making it useful for discussions in the chapter on developing countries.

McGrath, M. (2018, June 1). Paris pullout: The worst is yet to come. Retrieved October 23, 2018, from BBC News

• This article discusses the potential negative outcomes of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, relevant to the chapters on the U.S. withdrawal and its impact.

Plumer, B., & Barclay, E. (2017, June 1). What’s at stake in Trump’s decision on the Paris climate agreement. Retrieved November 1, 2018, from Vox

• This article examines the stakes involved in Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, making it relevant to the sections discussing the impact on the U.S.

Roberts, D. (2017, May 31). How Trump policy will affect US carbon emissions, in one graph. Retrieved October 23, 2018, from Vox

• This article provides a visual representation of the expected effects of Trump’s policy on U.S. carbon emissions, relevant to the discussion on the impact on the U.S.

Simon-Lewis, A. (2018, May 24). What is the Paris climate agreement and who has signed it? Retrieved October 19, 2018, from Wired

• This article provides an overview of the Paris Agreement and its signatories, useful for the introductory sections on the agreement itself.

Barclay, E. (2017a, June 3). 3 winners and 5 losers from Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement. Retrieved November 1, 2018, from Vox

• This article discusses the potential winners and losers resulting from Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, useful for analyzing the outcomes for the U.S.

Barclay, E. (2017b, June 5). Exiting Paris “probably our most consequential error since the Iraq War,” economist says. Retrieved November 1, 2018, from Vox

• This article highlights the significant error some believe Trump made by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, relevant to the chapters on the impact on the U.S. and its states.

Campbell, A. (2017a, June 7). Apple, Google, and California are rebuffing Trump and trying to stay in the Paris climate deal. Retrieved November 1, 2018, from Vox

• This article is relevant to the section on the impact on the U.S., particularly the efforts by states and companies to continue climate action independently of federal policy.

Resnick, B. (2017, June 2). Trump wants a better deal than Paris on climate. What’s better than “nonbinding”? Retrieved November 9, 2018, from Vox

• This article discusses Trump’s reasoning for withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, useful for the section on Trump’s point of view.

Ward, A. (2017, June 1). Foreign leaders to Trump: there is no “better deal” than Paris. Retrieved November 9, 2018, from Vox

• This article provides insights into the reactions of foreign leaders to Trump’s withdrawal, relevant to the discussion on the international response.