Global climate diplomacy could face setbacks if Donald Trump, set to retake the presidency, exits the Paris Agreement once again.
Kate Abnett and Christian Levaux report for Reuters.
In short:
- The European Union's climate chief warned that a U.S. departure from the Paris Agreement would harm international climate negotiations.
- Trump’s team is reportedly drafting orders to exit the agreement, echoing his first term’s policies.
- The EU is preparing climate plans but will miss a February deadline, aiming for completion by the U.N. climate summit in November.
Key quote:
“If that were to happen, that would be a serious blow for international climate diplomacy.”
— Wopke Hoekstra, EU climate commissioner
Why this matters:
The U.S. is the world’s second-largest emitter, and its role is pivotal in global climate pacts. A withdrawal could embolden other nations to slow their commitments, undermining efforts to address escalating climate impacts.
