EU climate policy chief Wopke Hoekstra warns of significant setbacks in climate diplomacy if US President-elect Trump withdraws from the Paris Agreement. Trump’s anticipated actions raise concerns about global collaboration on climate issues, necessitating enhanced efforts from other nations. The EU aims to engage with the US and finalize its climate plan by November’s UN summit amid challenges in meeting deadlines.
The European Union’s climate policy chief has issued a stark warning regarding the implications of President-elect Donald Trump potentially withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement again. This action could significantly undermine global climate diplomacy, given that the US is the second-largest contributor to global emissions after China. Wopke Hoekstra, the EU climate commissioner, emphasized the necessity for global collaboration in combating climate change, stating that all nations must contribute to address this indiscriminate issue effectively.
As the Paris Agreement forms the cornerstone of UN climate negotiations, its continued effectiveness hinges on the participation of major polluters like the US. Trump’s expected departure from the accord threatens to reverse the progress made in international climate discussions, particularly those in collaboration with China. Hoekstra noted the urgency for other nations to intensify their climate efforts in response to a potential US exit.
Hoekstra assured that the EU seeks to engage constructively with the upcoming US administration to mutually address climate concerns. However, he acknowledged that the EU faces challenges in aligning its climate planning timelines with UN requirements. Notably, the EU is currently lagging in submitting new national climate plans but aims to be prepared ahead of the November climate summit in Belem, Brazil.
The Paris Agreement, established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, serves as a foundational global treaty to commit nations to combat climate change and curb greenhouse gas emissions. The US has historically played a crucial role within these negotiations. Following significant steps towards climate cooperation, fears reignited following Trump’s 2017 withdrawal from the agreement, as it raised concerns about the US commitment to global climate action. The political climate remains deeply divided regarding the approach to climate change, prompting voices like Hoekstra’s to advocate for re-engagement and renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a unified response.
In summary, the potential withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement under President-elect Trump poses a serious threat to global climate diplomacy and coordination. The EU intends to proactively engage with the new administration to uphold collaborative climate efforts. Despite hurdles in aligning its climate plans with UN deadlines, the EU is committed to advancing its climate agenda ahead of key discussions in November 2023. The cooperation of major polluters, particularly the US, remains vital for any substantial progress on climate initiatives.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
