The US Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement—Implications for Global Climate Governance and Security
Publisher: Environment and Security
Author(s): Ashok Swain, Carl Bruch, Tobias Ide, Päivi Lujala, Richard A. Matthew, Erika Weinthal, and Tom Deligiannis
Date: 2025
Topics: Climate Change, Governance
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark international accord designed to combat climate change by limiting global warming to below 2°C, with an aspirational goal of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (UNFCCC, 2015). The United States played a crucial role in drafting and promoting the agreement under the Obama administration. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the accord for a second time on the first day of his second term marks a significant reversal in global climate leadership (The White House, 2025).
We, the editors of the “Environment and Security” journal, explore the ramifications of the U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement, focusing on four key areas: (1) the impact on global climate governance, (2) economic consequences for the United States, (3) domestic environmental vulnerabilities, and (4) national security and geopolitical concerns. In addition, we delve into the broader implications for international security, trade relations, and long-term policy continuity and urge the Trump administration to reconsider its decision.