What does Trump’s election mean for global climate action?

21st November 2016 / Posted by CRP Team

Following great celebrations of the ‘historic’ COP 21 Paris climate agreement that entered into force on 4 November 2016, global climate action became significantly less certain with Donald Trump elected as the next president of the United States. In line with his campaign pledges, Trump has since confirmed his determination to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. Technically, once ratified the US cannot withdraw from the agreement for four years but in practice it could just be disregarded.

Nevertheless, at the COP 22 meeting in Morocco from 7-18 November 2016, where all parties that ratified the Paris agreement came together for the first time, the mood seemed to be worried yet defiant. Importantly, China has pledged to keep to its Paris goals regardless of the change in direction of the US. Furthermore, the UK ratified the agreement on 17 November 2016, thereby sending a clear message of commitment to global climate action.

COP22