On January 20th we received news of the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision, taken just hours after the inauguration of the 47th President, reverberates beyond U.S. borders, affecting global efforts to combat climate change. As a resident of the Global South who intentionally organizes the Global North, particularly the US, I speak in no uncertain terms – this is a disheartening decision that undermines global unity and abnegates responsibility.
Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement brought together nearly 200 countries with a shared goal: to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This accord represents a collective commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting ecosystems, and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
The U.S., historically the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, plays a critical role in achieving these goals. Its withdrawal, however, signals a retreat from global cooperation. The United States is not only the second-largest annual emitter of carbon dioxide but also responsible for nearly 22% of the cumulative emissions since 1950. This legacy places an ethical responsibility on the U.S. to lead climate action. Instead, the decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement jeopardizes progress, setting a precedent that could embolden other nations to deprioritize their climate commitments.
This is especially alarming for the Global South, which bears the brunt of climate change impacts. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity disproportionately affect these regions, despite their minimal contributions to global emissions. The U.S.’s withdrawal risks slowing global momentum at a time when accelerated action is urgently needed.
For many nations in the Global South, the U.S. represents more than an ally; it’s a model for innovation, funding, and leadership. The lack of U.S. participation weakens the financial and technical support systems that these countries rely on to adapt to and mitigate climate impacts. Furthermore, it undermines the Paris Agreement’s mechanisms for international collaboration, leaving vulnerable nations more exposed to the devastating consequences of climate change.
The Global South does not merely seek aid from the U.S.; it also looks for solidarity and leadership in setting ambitious climate targets. The absence of such leadership complicates efforts to achieve the agreement’s objectives, creating a ripple effect that threatens to destabilize global climate governance.
The stakes have never been higher. 2024 was the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous year’s extreme temperatures. Billion-dollar climate disasters have become commonplace, and scientific reports warn that we are already exceeding the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. A fragmented global response only accelerates this trajectory, leaving vulnerable populations to face worsening droughts, floods, and food insecurity.
While this decision is a setback, it’s crucial to remember that the climate movement is larger than any one nation or leader. As Laurence Tubiana, a key architect of the Paris Agreement, noted, “Action to slow climate change is stronger than any single country’s politics and policies.” We must continue to forge partnerships, harness innovation, and advocate for equitable solutions that prioritize both environmental and social justice.
The United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement is more than a political statement; it’s a missed opportunity to lead the world toward a sustainable future. However, hope remains in the collective power of nations, communities, and individuals committed to combating the climate crisis. This is the key reason why we invest in collective movements that go deeper than that of the short-sighted decisions of national leaders. The fight for our planet’s future demands nothing less than unwavering global unity.
Catherine Mongella is the Executive Director of Our Climate, a US-based, youth-focused climate justice organization. She lives in Tanzania.