The Paris Agreement is a historic international agreement that aims to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It was signed on April 22, 2016, by 195 countries, including the United States. The agreement sets the goal of limiting global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with a further goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
However, in 2017, the United States announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. This decision was made by President Donald Trump, who argued that the agreement would harm the U.S. economy and cost American jobs. The withdrawal process officially began on November 4, 2019, and became effective on November 4, 2020.
The U.S. was one of the first countries to sign the Paris Agreement, and its withdrawal was a significant setback for global efforts to address climate change. Many countries expressed disappointment at the decision, and several pledged to continue working towards the goals of the agreement regardless of the U.S. withdrawal.
However, the election of President Joe Biden in November 2020 brought new hope for the U.S.`s involvement in the Paris Agreement. In one of his first acts as president, Biden signed an executive order rejoining the agreement. The U.S. officially rejoined the Paris Agreement on February 19, 2021.
The decision to rejoin the Paris Agreement is a significant step towards addressing the global climate crisis. The U.S. is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and its participation in the agreement is essential to achieving the goals of reducing emissions and limiting global warming.
In conclusion, the United States is once again a member of the Paris Agreement. While the decision to withdraw from the agreement was a setback, the U.S.`s rejoining demonstrates a commitment to addressing the global climate crisis. The challenges presented by climate change are significant, and it will take the efforts of all countries, working together, to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.