Implications of US Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

The withdrawal of the United States (US) from the Paris Agreement presents several challenges to the global climate change response. This move supports fossil fuels, benefiting American producers, and negatively impacts the renewable-energy sector, where China dominates. Despite this, the reality of climate change necessitates ongoing mitigation efforts, maintaining the current global response framework established by the Paris Agreement.

Challenges for Developing Nations

• Developing countries face increased pressure as: 
  • Advanced nations like the EU and UK impose stringent sustainability measures with trans-border effects.
  • US withdrawal limits access to financial and technological resources, essential for climate goals.

Alternative Energy Approach

An alternative proposed is the co-existence of energy systems, combining fossil fuels and renewables. This approach stems from the Baku Declaration, advocating a UN-managed carbon-credit mechanism under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.

• Key aspects include: 
  • Promotion of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
  • Gradual increase in renewable energy contributions.
  • Inclusion of carbon removal in national contributions and carbon-credit markets.

Economic and Technological Considerations

• This approach is more appealing as: 
  • 100% renewable energy systems are impractical due to variability without cost-effective grid-level storage.
  • Developing nations can use existing fossil fuel systems with carbon-removal technologies, transitioning to renewables gradually.

Role of Carbon Capture Technologies

• Success depends on the commercial availability of CCUS technologies, requiring: 
  • Increased R&D across the carbon capture and storage value chain.
  • Supportive policies and global financial resources.
• Examples of successful CCUS projects include Boundary Dam (Canada), Gorgon Project (Australia), and Petra Nova (US).

The goal is not to replace renewable energy but to complement it with viable carbon-capture technologies. The pragmatic approach aligns with the global climate strategy, guided by the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”

Conclusion

Authors suggest that making the best use of current circumstances under the leadership of US President Donald Trump involves pragmatic and constructive strategies for global climate change mitigation.