Trump announces second withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Hill or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: President Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement shortly after his second inauguration
• This decision mirrors his 2017 action during his first term, later reversed by President Biden
• The process to finalize the withdrawal is expected to take years

🔭 The context: The Paris Agreement, signed in 2025 under President Obama, unites nearly 200 countries in limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C
• Once finalized, the U.S. and Iran will be the only major emitters in the UNFCCC not part of the accord
 • Critics argue this move undermines global and domestic climate leadership

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The U.S., a leading greenhouse gas emitter, plays a pivotal role in global climate action
• The withdrawal could hinder international collaboration and slow progress on emissions reduction, potentially exacerbating climate change impacts

⏭️ What's next: State and local governments, along with private sectors, are expected to intensify independent climate initiatives
• Trump has signaled additional reversals of Biden-era climate policies, setting the stage for broader environmental policy shifts

💬 One quote: Gina McCarthy stated, “Our states, cities, businesses, and local institutions stand ready to pick up the baton of U.S. climate leadership”

📈 One stat: In 2022, the United States emitted approximately 6,343 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, accounting for about 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions

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