February 6, 2025
Opinion Story
by Tara Malhotra
"Tara Talks" Recurring Column
For many world leaders, committing to the Paris Climate Agreement is a no-brainer. However, for President Donald Trump, the agreement was simply an obstacle in the way of exploiting fossil fuels and driving our nation toward environmental catastrophe.
The United Nations (UN) describes the Paris Agreement as a legally-binding international treaty to address climate change. It was first introduced at the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, and it was not long before it was adopted by 196 parties (including the United States). It is widely praised as the most significant global climate agreement to exist.
But, if the Paris Agreement is so important, why would Trump choose to pull America out of it? According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, Trump asserts that the policy currently undermines our economy and puts us at a permanent disadvantage. He also believes we are experiencing a national energy emergency which can be fixed by removing US climate regulations while increasing oil and gas production.
His perspective is not new. Trump also withdrew America from the agreement during his first term in 2017. The Biden administration secured our country’s readmission for years, up until January when Trump withdrew again.
Many Americans, including myself, were shocked when we learned of this severe political misstep. This was hardly a bold move that will prioritize America’s interests—it is a misjudged decision that will exacerbate global environmental disasters. Not only does President Trump have a responsibility to Americans, but also to other countries that share the world’s resources. By leaving the Paris Agreement, he is putting Americans’ lives directly at risk and unraveling decades-long collaborative efforts.
This point is underscored by findings from the US Environmental Protection Agency. It recently reported that climate change continues to intensify wildfires, hurricanes, drought, and other pressing issues that cause irreparable damage, sickness, and death. Furthermore, Earth.Org determined that the US is the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, contributing to global climate disruption while impacting ecosystems and communities worldwide.
Preventing environmental destruction is common sense. Our future generations deserve the right to live healthy, full lives, and a mindset that prioritizes pollution guarantees a bleak future. Our politicians need to fix their mistakes and take action to protect our planet before it is too late.
President Trump promoting the exploitation of fossil fuels. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
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