US Withdrawal from Paris Accord

Why in News?

Former US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord has reignited global concerns about the fight against climate change. The US, being one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, plays a critical role in achieving global climate goals. This move also raises serious questions about the commitment of developed nations to mitigating climate change and its impact on renewable energy progress and international cooperation.

Introduction

The Paris Climate Accord is a landmark international agreement adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its primary goal is to limit global warming to below 2°C, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C. The agreement relies on countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions and combat climate change collectively.

The US’s withdrawal weakens global efforts to scale up mitigation and adaptation measures. It underscores the challenges of balancing domestic political priorities with international environmental obligations, especially when leadership changes alter long-term commitments.

Key Highlights

1. Timeline of US Withdrawal from the Paris Accord

• 2017 Withdrawal: Trump pulled the US out of the Paris Accord, with the technical exit occurring only months before his term ended.
• 2021 Reinstatement: President Joe Biden reversed this decision upon taking office, reinstating the US into the pact immediately.
• Potential 2025 Exit: Trump, in his second presidency, is expected to expedite the withdrawal, completing it within a year.

2. Global Impact of US Withdrawal

• The US, as the second-largest GHG emitter, will join countries like Iran, Libya, and Yemen outside the Paris Accord.
• Developed nations, including the US, are already struggling to meet their 2030 emissions targets, making the US’s absence a significant setback.

3. Renewable Energy Setbacks

• Trump’s rollback on renewable energy policies includes:
  • Rescinding a directive for 50% of new vehicles sold in the US by 2030 to be electric.
  • Undermining the US wind energy sector, threatening job creation and clean energy advancements.
• These actions compromise global efforts to achieve the 1.5°C target and undermine progress made by other nations.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Paris Climate Accord: An international treaty under the UNFCCC, aimed at limiting global warming to below 2°C and pursuing efforts to cap it at 1.5°C.
• Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Voluntary commitments made by countries under the Paris Accord to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.
• Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): A principle recognizing that while all countries share responsibility for combating climate change, developed nations bear a larger burden due to their historical emissions.

Challenges Arising from US Withdrawal

1. Weakening Global Leadership

• The US’s absence reduces the momentum for collective climate action.
• Other countries may delay or dilute their commitments, citing the US’s lack of participation.

2. Increased GHG Emissions

• Rollbacks on clean energy policies in the US could lead to higher emissions, offsetting reductions made by other nations.

3. Risks to Developing Nations

• Vulnerable countries in the Global South face heightened risks due to stalled progress in climate financing and technology transfer.

4. Geopolitical Implications

• The US’s retreat may embolden other major emitters like China and India to deprioritize climate actions.

Recommendations for Global Climate Action

1. Strengthening Multilateral Efforts

• The UNFCCC must ensure that the setback caused by the US exit does not derail global mitigation ambitions.
• Enhanced cooperation among other developed and developing nations can compensate for the US’s withdrawal.

2. Accelerating Renewable Energy Investments

• Nations should scale up investments in wind energy, solar power, and electric vehicles to fill the gap left by the US.

3. Climate Financing

• Developed nations must fulfill their commitments to mobilize $100 billion annually for climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries.

4. Technology Sharing

• Promote international partnerships to facilitate access to clean technologies for developing nations.

What is WHO?

• Established: 7 April 1948 (celebrated as World Health Day).
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Role: A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

Functions of WHO

1. Coordinate International Health Responses
   • Develop strategies to combat pandemics and outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19 response).
2. Develop Global Health Guidelines and Standards
   • Create and promote evidence-based health protocols for universal adoption.
3. Monitor and Assess Global Health Trends
   • Publish data on diseases, mortality rates, and global health challenges.
4. Support Member States
   • Offer technical assistance to strengthen healthcare systems worldwide.
5. Health Emergency Preparedness
   • Ensure global preparedness for emergencies like pandemics, natural disasters, and bioterrorism threats.

WHO and Climate Change

• Recognizes climate change as one of the greatest health challenges of the 21st century.
• Works on:
  1. Reducing Climate-Sensitive Diseases:
     • Malaria, dengue, and cholera are aggravated by climate change.
  2. Strengthening Healthcare Systems:
     • Build resilience to extreme weather events and public health crises.
  3. Advocacy for Mitigation Policies:
     • Push for climate policies that prioritize public health protection.

Key WHO Initiatives on Climate and Health

1. COP26 Health Programme:
   • Encourages countries to develop climate-resilient and sustainable health systems.
2. Health and Climate Change Global Survey:
   • Assesses countries’ progress in tackling health risks from climate change.
3. BreatheLife Campaign:
   • Focuses on reducing air pollution to improve public health.

WHO Programs in India

WHO works closely with India to address health challenges through technical cooperation and support. Key programs include:

1. National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP):

• Aim: Eliminate TB by 2025 in line with the WHO’s End TB Strategy.
• Support: Provides technical guidance, policy formulation, and capacity building.

2. Universal Immunization Program (UIP):

• Aim: Achieve full immunization coverage for all children.
• WHO Support: Enhances vaccine quality, cold chain management, and training.

3. Polio Eradication Program:

• India achieved polio-free status in 2014 with WHO’s assistance.
• Current Focus: Surveillance to prevent re-emergence.

4. National Health Mission (NHM):

• Role: Strengthen maternal and child health, disease control, and rural healthcare systems.
• WHO provides technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives.

5. Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP):

• Aim: Strengthen disease surveillance for early detection and response to outbreaks.
• WHO Contribution: Offers training and data analysis support.

6. Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A):

• Focus: Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
• WHO Assistance: Develops evidence-based guidelines and strategies.

7. COVID-19 Response:

• Supported India’s pandemic response by providing PPE kits, vaccines (via COVAX), and policy guidelines.

WHO Contributions to India’s Healthcare

1. Capacity Building:
   • Training healthcare workers, improving data collection systems, and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
2. Policy Formulation:
   • Assisting in the development of India’s health policies, including Ayushman Bharat.
3. Strengthening Primary Healthcare:
   • Focus on expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare.
4. Promoting Health Research:
   • Collaborates with Indian institutions for research on communicable and non-communicable diseases.

WHO plays a pivotal role in strengthening global and regional health systems. In India, it has been instrumental in eradicating polio, controlling TB, and responding to COVID-19. Its initiatives like the COP26 Health Programme and collaboration in climate-sensitive health challenges further highlight its commitment to a healthier, more sustainable world. With continued cooperation, India and WHO can address emerging health challenges effectively.

Conclusion

The US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord under Trump’s leadership presents a significant challenge to global climate efforts. It emphasizes the need for collective action and resilience in addressing climate change. While the US’s absence creates a leadership vacuum, other nations must step up their commitments to ensure that global warming targets remain achievable. For India and other developing nations, the focus must remain on sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy transitions. Additionally, organizations like WHO play a critical role in addressing the intersection of climate change and public health, highlighting the multifaceted impacts of environmental challenges.