Unbelievable but True: US Withdraws from the Paris Accords

Just before 4pm today, President Trump announced that the US will with draw from the Paris Climate Accords.  The agreement, ratified by 194 other countries, limited average global temperature change to below 2 degrees Celcius.  Only Nicaragua and Syria had not ratified the Agreement prior to today’s announcement.  EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt also spoke and affirmed his support of this disappointing and potentially disastrous decision.  Mt Trump’ speech left the door open to a renegotiation or to the creation of a new accord that would apparently put America first or seem fair according to his definition, but neither he or Mr. Pruitt shared details of just what environmental protections or carbon and other greenhouse emissions reductions the current US Administration would agree to.  

In his speech, Mr. Trump referred several times to “major polluting nations,” and mentioned that the US was being harmed by unfair expectations, but neither he or Mr. Pruitt acknowledged that the US is considered to the the second largest greenhouse gas emitter and polluter globally.  Mr. Trump also referred to the potential job loss due to environmental restrictions but also did not acknowledge the jobs that would potentially be created by a shift to a less polluted environment and a more sustainable economy.  

Mr. Trump had indicated while campaigning and since taking office that he saw the Paris Agreement in conflict with job and economic growth, in disagreement with countless other political and business leaders who view the emerging technologies associated with mitigating climate change as a way to both protect the environment and enjoy the benefit of growth from emerging clean tech related technologies.  

In a reaction to the decision, President Barack Obama stated, “In the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got."

Before and after today’s announcement, many business leaders shared their concerns about US withdrawal from the agreement, and some of the companies were surprising, including major oil companies like Exxon and ConocoPhillips, and leading tech companies such as Apple, google, Facebook, and Microsoft.  Tesla’s Elon Musk also kept his promise to withdraw from the President’s advisory councils, sharing this news with a defiant tweet: "Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.”  GE’s CEO Jeff Immelt also expressed disappointment through social media: "Disappointed with today’s decision on the Paris Agreement. Climate change is real. Industry must now lead and not depend on government."

It is indeed a difficult day for those who care about the global environment and the health of future generations, and quite frankly an embarrassing moment for many in the US who disagree with this action and the lack of environmental concern expressed and practiced by the current administration.  Fortunately, the process to exit the Paris Accord will take 4 years, ending apparently one day after the next Presidential election.  While damage may be done in the mean time, this decision could also turn into a hopeful time of intense activity and support for environmental protection.  Let’s get to it.