US Paris Agreement withdrawal prompts new thinking on how to exert pressure

(EurActiv, 6 Nov 2019) America’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord might only be temporary if a Democrat wins the White House in 2020. The effect on trade policy could be significant in the meantime. EURACTIV France reports.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday (4 November) that he would trigger the process needed to withdraw America from the Paris Agreement, the earliest possible date under the landmark accord’s legal provisions.

The current timetable means that the US will terminate its involvement the day after 2020’s presidential election on 4 November.

If a Democrat is elected, “they could technically relaunch accession to the Paris Agreement as soon as they come to power in January”, confirmed Paul Watkinson, chairman of the UNFCCC’s Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice.

The US climate negotiating team remains part of the negotiations until then and will participate in the COP25 discussions in Madrid, which they have never previously blocked.

“It is a technical team that’s very concerned about respecting the framework of the Paris Agreement, which facilitates a possible US return,” Watkinson stressed.

Among the US priorities, any reference to loss and damage should avoid being introduced, as this would compromise American participation in the future.

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EurActiv, 6 Nov 2019: US Paris Agreement withdrawal prompts new thinking on how to exert pressure