How the Paris climate deal pullout could hurt the U.S.
It’s not clear what we gain as a nation from pulling out of the Paris climate agreement. It is clear we’ve lost something; perhaps some influence as the leader of the free world.
Those who accept climate science see failure to act to reduce human-caused effects on the global climate as a looming disaster that would dwarf most others. But even those who don’t accept or don’t care that human activities might be warming the climate should be taken aback by the United States’ abdication of its world leadership In recent months.
The Paris pullout comes on the heels of President Trump’s decision not to reaffirm explicitly the central tenet of the NATO alliance. On his trip to Brussels, he opted not to voice support for Article 5, the provision that says an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all.
The Paris pullout and the NATO silence are both primarily symbolic. But when it comes to leadership, symbolism and optics are key.
As the U.S pulls back from its traditional leading role, we leave room for China or others to move in. “America first” threatens to leave America second — or worse — in terms of influence and ability to shape diplomacy around the world.
The Paris accord is a nonbinding, non-enforceable agreement. Former President Barack Obama made commitments on behalf of the United States, but they weren’t approved by Congress as a treaty would be. Trump has every right to change them, just as he has been countermanding many of Obama’s climate-related executive orders. He could alter any of the terms, including financial commitments.
Trump could have better thrown U.S. weight around acting as Paris quarterback, or coach, than by taking his ball and going home.
Some of the president’s top economic and diplomatic advisers advocated staying in the deal. Trump kept a campaign promise, sure, but if the purpose is to thumb our nose at Europe, Obama, science and assorted eggheads, we gain little.
The pullout leaves industries wondering where we’re headed on environmental policy and how to invest. That’s not a good way to stimulate the economy or grow confidence at home or abroad.
— Los Angeles Daily News,
Digital First Media
The pullout leaves industries wondering where we’re headed on environmental policy and how to invest. That’s not a good way to stimulate the economy or grow confidence at home or abroad.