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Trump withdraws US from Paris Agreement for second time and expands use of fossil fuels: Climate, economic and geopolitical impacts shake the world

Written by Caio Aviz
Published 21/01/2025 às 21:04
Donald Trump holding a document next to the Eiffel Tower, with thick smoke in the background representing pollution and fossil fuel exploitation.
Donald Trump in front of the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and focus on fossil fuels.

Donald Trump, in his second term as president, withdraws the US from the Paris Agreement and prioritizes fossil fuels. Learn how these decisions impact the environment, the economy and international relations.

First, on June 1, 2017, Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the United States from Paris Agreement. The decision was finalized on November 4, 2020. However, after the US re-entered the agreement on February 19, 2021, under Joe Biden, Trump brought drastic changes in 2025.

Shockingly, on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement for the second time. This decision reignited global debates about American leadership in combating climate change, as reported by the New York Times and the Washington Post.

The Paris Agreement was established on December 12, 2015, during COP21, with 195 signatory countries. It aims to limit global warming to below 2°C and reach 1,5°C. Despite this, Trump has claimed that withdrawal would protect jobs and strengthen the American economy, a view widely disputed by experts at the World Meteorological Organization.

While industry groups have supported the move, analysts at the International Energy Agency have said it represents a significant blow to global climate efforts. Without U.S. involvement, climate goals will become harder to achieve.

Measures to promote fossil fuels

Additionally, on January 25, 2025, Trump announced a series of executive orders that favor fossil fuels. Among the main measures, the following stand out:

  • Expansion of oil and natural gas exploration on federal lands and waters, something publicly defended since 2017.
  • Suspension of subsidies and incentives for electric vehicles, detailed in official statements on January 26, 2025.
  • Reduction of environmental regulations that limited mining and energy exploration activities, starting in February 2025.

As reported by Reuters, Trump has justified these initiatives as necessary to ensure the United States' energy independence. However, the Environmental Defense Fund has warned that these actions could undermine global progress in reducing emissions and jeopardize public health.

Critics argue that prioritizing fossil fuels could hurt the U.S. position in the global cleantech market. According to BloombergNEF, this sector has grown exponentially since 2020.

International and domestic reactions

However, the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has sparked immediate backlash, both domestically and internationally. On January 21, 2025, leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau expressed concern about the impact of this decision on international climate efforts.

At the same time, the UN highlighted on January 22, 2025, that this decision could destabilize global climate finance, especially for developing countries. During the same week, American states, such as California and New York, reaffirmed climate commitments, according to The Guardian.

While local initiatives offer hope, the World Resources Institute warned on January 24 that a lack of federal leadership makes it difficult to coordinate efforts. Groups like Greenpeace stress that local action remains essential to mitigating climate impacts.

Economic and environmental consequences

In addition to the political controversies, the economic and environmental implications of Trump's decisions also worry experts. The journal Nature Climate Change analyzed, on January 30, 2025, how these policies could worsen climate disasters.

For example, natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 and the California wildfires in 2021 have already caused high financial and human costs. In addition, pollutant emissions increase respiratory diseases and public health costs, as reported by the American Lung Association in February 2025.

Meanwhile, the focus on fossil fuels can create jobs and generate short-term revenue. However, analysts at the World Economic Forum warn that the US could lose competitiveness in the clean technology market. This market has been expanding globally since 2018.

What to expect from the future?

In light of these changes, the United States now joins countries outside the Paris Agreement, such as Iran and Libya, according to the Financial Times on January 27, 2025. This isolated stance could harm both US trade and diplomatic relations, especially in a world seeking sustainable solutions.

Despite this, the international community remains committed to climate goals, as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) emphasized on January 28, 2025. Despite the absence of the US, other countries remain determined to maintain global efforts.

As reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on January 29, partnerships between governments, businesses and citizens will be crucial to mitigating climate effects and protecting the planet.

A setback with profound effects

In short, the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in 2025 and the prioritization of fossil fuels represents a significant setback in global sustainability efforts. Although presented as strategic economic measures, the The environmental and social consequences of these policies are serious and worrying.

However, local and global initiatives continue to offer hope. With coordinated actions and a renewed commitment, it will be possible to face climate challenges and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

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Caio Aviz

I write about the offshore market, oil and gas, job vacancies, renewable energy, mining, economy, innovation, geopolitics and government. Always seeking daily updates and relevant topics, I expose rich, considerable and meaningful content.

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