Trump turns the US into a green rogue -Governance Now

Trump turns the US into a green rogue

Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from Paris climate change has left American companies and leaders in shock

GN Bureau | June 2, 2017

#climate change #greenhouse gases #Barack Obama #Donald Trump #Paris climate accord #US #atmosphere

(Photo: Flickr/Michael Vadon)

By announcing America's withdrawal from the Paris climate change agreement, President Donald Trump has turned the US into a rogue state among 200 countries that have given a commitment to act to reverse the life-threatening global warming of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Under the Paris climate accord signed by Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama, the world’s largest emitter of the greenhouse gases would have to bring down its emissions by 26-28 percent below the 2005 level in 2025.

However, all those worried about the devastating impact of global warming on the population across the world and survival of life on the earth had feared of such a move in case Trump becomes the US president.

Trump had openly said during his presidential campaign that Paris climate treaty was unfair to the US, since it would mean the industarlised country cutting down on manufacturing which could lead to job losses. Though there is no evidence to support Trump’s theory, however, it’s believed that he is keen to help the coal mine owners, who apparently had supported his election campaign.

The Americans have given a commitment to the world that they would eliminate the use of fossil fuels and use clean technologies for energy. However, with Trump in charge, it could be reversed and prove eventually disastrous for the world where many species are on the verge of extinction due to heating of the earth’s atmosphere and rising global temperature.

Humans, particularly in smaller nations and those in the middle of the sea, are particularly vulnerable to impact of climate change and global warming. Scientists have said unless the rising temperatures are arrested, it would trigger the end of life on the planet.

America’s withdrawal from the treaty and other fora would create a huge leadership gap in the international bodies and would be probably filled by China. But questions are being raised on China’s preparedness to take on the big responsibility, given its lack of democracy at home.

Trump may not have the final say on the US policy on climate change as 56% Americans have not backed his idea of withdrawing from its commitment to help in bringing down global warming due to emissions by the Western developed countries for over 150 years.

Already dozens of governors and mayors across the US have rejected Trump’s announcement and said they would not do anything to further destroy earth’s atmosphere. Even CEOs of US companies have not approved his idea.

The US companies are already working on minimising their carbon footprint on earth and investing in clean technology and even looking forward of doing a business in clean technologies. The businesses have also realised that sustainability is the key to their growth.

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