President Javier Milei of Argentina is considering an exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, similar to former U.S. President Donald Trump. This contemplation follows the withdrawal of delegates from COP29, raising alarm about the agreement’s stability. While recognizing climate change, the Milei administration regards it as a natural occurrence rather than primarily human-caused. Exit implications could economically isolate Argentina and weaken global climate initiatives.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei is contemplating a potential exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, echoing the move made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. His administration’s recent withdrawal of delegates from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, has raised concerns about the future framework of the agreement, suggesting a shift in Argentina’s approach to climate policy. President Milei has labeled the climate crisis a “socialist lie,” indicating a significant departure from previously held views. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein indicated that the government is evaluating its position regarding the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) while acknowledging climate change as part of natural cycles rather than solely human-influenced.
The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted in December 2015 at COP21 in Paris, is a pivotal international treaty focused on combating climate change. The agreement mandates that signatory countries limit global temperature rise, striving to keep it below 2 degrees Celsius and preferably at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Each party is required to submit progressively ambitious national climate action plans every five years to showcase their commitment. Given the significant role of Argentina as South America’s second-largest economy and a major greenhouse gas emitter, questions arise regarding the implications of its potential exit.
Should Argentina proceed with its exit from the Paris Agreement, it may set a concerning precedent, potentially prompting other nations to reconsider their commitments. Such a move could not only weaken the global response to climate change but also isolate Argentina economically, potentially diminishing its standing in international trade and financing opportunities. The consequences of abandoning the agreement could hinder Argentina’s future participation in global carbon markets, thereby undermining its economic interests in the long term.
Original Source: www.outlookbusiness.com
