President Donald Trump’s actions have been described as ’embarrassing and foolish’ due to his ‘shortsighted’ stance on climate change, which may have severe consequences for future generations.
The US has been involved in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 1992. This treaty requires nations to collaborate for the planet’s benefit, addressing the ongoing climate crisis.
However, with a single presidential action, Trump has removed the United States from the agreement that has been in place for 34 years, distancing Washington from 65 other countries and organizations.
Is this really unexpected? Trump has been openly critical of green energy, particularly wind turbines, and has referred to climate change as a ‘con’, ‘scam’, and ‘hoax’ during his speech at the United Nations in September.
Gina McCarthy, a former top climate advisor to President Joe Biden, has criticized the Republican for damaging the US’ reputation as a leader in combating global warming and putting its safety at risk from natural disasters.
“This is a shortsighted, embarrassing and foolish decision,” she stated, according to the Guardian.
“As the only country in the world not part of the UNFCCC treaty, the Trump administration is discarding decades of US leadership in climate change and global cooperation.
“This administration is sacrificing our nation’s influence over trillions of dollars in investments, policies, and decisions that could have boosted our economy and shielded us from expensive disasters causing havoc in our country.”
The Trump administration’s rationale for withdrawing the US from the treaty was that it is ‘contrary to the interests of the United States’.
More information to come.