The Rising Dragon of Climate Change

Though President Donald Trump hinted evidently that his decision would be to withdraw from the Paris Climate agreement, the world still hoped that he would consider making a wiser decision. Many advisors, such as Elon Musk’s open attempt to leave his side ended in failure. In the eyes of the world he has made himself the foremost climate villain. In many instances he has considered climate change as a hoax; however on Saturday the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley said that the president does believe that the climate is changing.

Why the Withdrawal?

This was no hasty decision of the President; nevertheless there could be many reasons for the withdrawal. A personal agenda behind this decision is highly probable. There have also been many circumstances where the President’s actions question his understanding of the gravity of the situation on Global Warming. It is an eminent fact that the President is a great business man. Restrictions on emissions are always an economic loss for business to flourish. Industries emit greenhouse gases as it is the process of manufacturing, restrictions will definitely have an impact on productivity thus reducing the output. A reduction in output will reduce profits hampering the growth of industries. This major influence can be considered as a key factor to the decision.

Since climate change is a global issue, it can be better handled while working as a global community. With the plan to make America great again, he is all set to negotiate a new global deal. US do not stand alone, Nicaragua and Syria both have pulled out from the agreement. How does this decision have an impact on other countries, specifically how will this impact China, the next highest carbon dioxide emitter?

Assessment

Empirical evidence shows the per capita CO₂ emissions from the years 1960 to 2013 have increased by 6.4 metric tons in China and an increase is 0.4 metric tons in the US, study conducted by Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Centre. Though the surge in increase in emissions of China is high, USA has maintained a very high level of emissions of 16 metric tons over the 53 years. The Paris agreement aims at working cohesively to reduce these emissions, making China the strong player in the public eye in the ‘Green fight’.

The ties between the US and many countries would slowly weaken as a repercussion of this decision. China on the other hand, with its high investment in clean technology will be able to generate more allies specifically in economic aspect. By joining hands to tackle the problem of climate change, China would be able to develop long lasting trade partners.