STATEMENT: Paris Agreement Withdrawal Erodes America’s Standing in the World

STATEMENT: Paris Agreement Withdrawal Erodes America's Standing in the World

January 20, 2025

Statement

International Climate Action North America

WASHINGTON (January 20, 2025) - On his first day in office, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Following is a statement by Ani Dasgupta, President and CEO, World Resources Institute:

"The Paris Agreement remains as essential as ever. UN climate negotiations are the only platform where every nation has a voice on one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Whether it's to tackle the catastrophic climate impacts they face or tap into rapidly growing green technologies, countries recognize the critical value of this international process. That's why I'm confident that virtually all nations will stay committed to the Paris Agreement despite the United States' departure.

"Every year, far too many US communities are bombarded with deadly wildfires, floods and hurricanes that know no borders. At the same time, the transition to a low-carbon economy is already underway. Walking away from the Paris Agreement won't protect Americans from climate impacts, but it will hand China and the European Union a competitive edge in the booming clean energy economy and lead to fewer opportunities for American workers.

"It simply makes no sense for the United States to voluntarily give up political influence and pass up opportunities to shape the exploding green energy market. Sitting on the sidelines also means the United States will have fewer levers to hold other major economies accountable for living up to their commitments.

"While the US administration retreats, states, cities and businesses across the U.S. will continue driving climate action forward. And clean energy incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act will continue to be an economic boon for communities nationwide thanks to strong support from many Republicans and Democrats alike. Make no mistake, America will still be very much in the global fight against climate change.

"We are in a generational struggle to move the world to a safer place. Today's abdication of responsibility by President Trump will not derail the world from this fight."