The United States Rejoins the Paris Agreement: January 21, 2021

On January 21, 2021, the United States officially rejoined the Paris Agreement, marking a significant policy reversal from the previous administration’s decision to withdraw from the international climate accord. This move underscored a renewed commitment by the U.S. to address global climate change and collaborate with other nations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Background

The Paris Agreement, adopted in December 2015, is a landmark international treaty aimed at combating climate change and its impacts. It seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement requires countries to set and communicate their own climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

In June 2017, the Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, citing economic concerns and perceived unfairness in the obligations imposed on the U.S. The formal withdrawal process began in November 2019 and took effect on November 4, 2020.

Rejoining the Agreement

On his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the Paris Agreement, signaling a shift in U.S. climate policy. The reentry process was completed on February 19, 2021, making the United States a party to the agreement once again.

Key Actions and Commitments

• Renewed Climate Goals: The Biden administration pledged to set more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 50-52% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030.
• International Collaboration: Rejoining the Paris Agreement allowed the U.S. to participate in global climate discussions and negotiations, reinforcing its role in international climate diplomacy.
• Domestic Policy Initiatives: The administration emphasized integrating climate considerations into various aspects of domestic policy, including energy, transportation, and infrastructure.

Significance and Impact

The decision to rejoin the Paris Agreement was significant for several reasons:

• Global Leadership: The U.S. reentry was seen as a critical step in restoring its leadership role in global climate efforts, encouraging other countries to enhance their climate commitments.
• Economic and Environmental Policy: It highlighted the administration’s approach to aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability, promoting clean energy, and creating green jobs.
• Diplomatic Relations: Rejoining the agreement improved diplomatic relations with allies and partners who view climate change as a pressing global challenge.

In summary, the United States’ return to the Paris Agreement on January 21, 2021, represented a pivotal moment in international climate policy, reaffirming the country’s commitment to addressing climate change and collaborating with the global community.