Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement: A Step Backwards

The United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement raises concerns about a shift away from scientific consensus, according to Francisco Estrada Porrúa, a researcher at UNAM’s Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change. This decision, enacted through an executive order by President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism for undermining global efforts to combat climate change and for reflecting broader skepticism toward established scientific findings.

“It’s concerning to see some U.S. lawmakers question the scientific consensus on climate change or cite isolated weather events, such as snowfall, to dismiss global warming,” said Estrada, who holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Free University of Amsterdam.

The Trump administration’s climate policy prioritized short-term economic gains, particularly for the fossil fuel industry, by rolling back environmental regulations. Although these measures may provide short-term benefits to certain sectors, Estrada noted that their long-term effects could pose significant economic and environmental challenges, such as risks to public health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

A symbolic example of this policy shift was repealing energy efficiency standards, which led to the reintroduction of incandescent light bulbs. Estrada suggested that such decisions may reflect ideological considerations that conflict with widely accepted scientific and environmental principles.

Established in 2015, the Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, with an ideal target of 1.5°C. Each participating country sets its own emission reduction goals, updating them every five years. Developed nations, in particular, have committed to mobilizing $100 billion annually to help developing countries mitigate the effects of climate change.