Could America’s Dropping Out of the Paris Accord Actually Help Matters?
What should we make of the fact that the U.S. is the only country on Earth to withhold participation in the Paris Climate Accord? Yes, this is a symbolic thumbing of the nose at the well-being of the world’s population, but outside of the symbolism, what are the real consequences?
Frankly, it’s impossible to know, given the fact that the other 192 countries on Earth are vigorously stepping up their commitments to climate change mitigation. Also, let’s not forget that most city and state governments in the U.S., not to mention virtually all of the private sector, are fully dedicated to picking up the slack. Check this out.
Craig,
But that’s not really true is it ?
The Paris Accord was not signed by every nation on earth !
While 195 UNFCCC delegates signed the Accord, only 170 nations are participants. (the EU signed as a bloc) Counties like North Korea and Taiwan were also absent. UNFCCC delegates from the Peoples Republic of China were appointed to represent Taiwan(ROC).
Had you bothered to read Paris Agreement you would have discovered more anomalies.
Each country decides to what degree it shall report contributions to mitigate global warming. No control or mechanism exits to compel or even monitor any country to set a specific target, a specific date or even keep an accurate estimate of compliance.
Many nations were allowed to include variations to the agreement, including making the US and other western nations pay for any reductions.
Here’s a sample from the Bulgarian declaration.
Bulgarian Declaration:
“The Republic of Bulgaria recognizes that in accordance with Article 9, paragraph 1, of the Paris Agreement developed country Parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention. In this context the Republic of Bulgaria notes that as a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Bulgaria is not included in Annex II.”
or again Poland
“The Government of the Republic of Poland recognizes that under Article 9 paragraph 1 of the Paris Agreement developed country Parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention. In this context the Government of the Republic of Poland notes that Poland is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change not included in Annex II.”
Since Brexit, technically, the UK is no longer a signatory.
Most of the African and Asian nations included a lengthy list of ‘opt out’ clauses that basically means they have no intention of doing anything unless paid.
Russia and the PRC made sure no real compliance monitoring took place and on that condition India Pakistan and Bangladesh joined.
The Paris accord is an unenforceable, symbolic, feel good waste of time. As usual with these UN agreements, the Third world regards such an agreement as an opportunity for corruption, the Russian (and Russian allies) cheat, the South Americans cry poor, While the PRC happily lie and regard it as a weapon to beat the US. The EU cynically re-defines targets and compliance in a maze of contradictory regulations, bureaucracy, incomprehensible fine print etc.
Only the US would try to live up to commitments, even to its great disadvantage. Even when US economy became increasingly noncompetitive and crippled. Never mind the burden or basic dishonesty of other nations, the US would still be obliged as usual to meet demands from the rest of the world to pay the the lions share of the Paris fiasco !
Idealistic and starry eyed President Obama may have been naive (or egotistical) enough to be duped into ‘leading’ such a national disaster, but President Trump quickly recognized the scam for what it was, and putting US interests and the US people foremost, walked away from a bad deal for his nation.
He’s to be congratulated on his astute, shrewd judgement, not castigated by a bunch of people who haven’t read the entire agreement.
No lawyer would recommend his client sign such an agreement.
Craig, when all the hype is stripped away, how many Americans actually support the Paris agreement ? Of those who who support the agreement, how many have actually read, or understand the agreement ?
Several surveys conducted conclude less than 2-4% of Paris Accord supporters (including academics and media) have actually read all the documents. Most simply repeat media articles by reporters or advocates who also never actually read the entirety of the Agreement.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/07/climate/syria-joins-paris-agreement.html
As I’m sure you’re aware, the US is the only nation on Earth not participating. If you don’t think that’s disgusting, that’s ok; it’s an opinion, albeit shared by few.
Craig,
Again, I point out your description of “participating” is largely a delusion !
The old “Holy Alliance’ was once a very solemn, high minded treaty also, but while very idealistic, it was totally ineffective and pointless.
No, I don’t find it “disgusting’, but i can well understand why Americans might be disgusted that President Obama would agree to such an obvious scam aimed to further impoverish the American taxpayer. The US would have been the only loser !
Oh, and while we’re on the subject, I notice you didn’t rebut or contradict a single point I made. (probably because I stuck to the facts).
So I find it troubling that so many, otherwise intelligent, Americans could fall for a document clearly against American interests. But then I remember the Lest have always been more than a little ovine when following similar doctrines.