The United Kingdom has set ambitious carbon reduction goals, aiming for an 81 percent decrease in emissions by 2035. This commitment is part of the Paris Agreement, which the United States, under Trump, decided to leave shortly after he took office.
The European Union expressed disappointment over Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, calling it “very regrettable.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the agreement is vital for the future of humanity and the global economy.
She mentioned the importance of engaging with the current US administration and collaborating with various stakeholders in the U.S. to keep moving forward on climate goals.
Since Trump’s presidency began, the U.S. has rolled back several climate initiatives. This includes withdrawing from the UN climate treaty, easing regulations on fossil fuel projects, and canceling clean energy initiatives established under former President Biden.
Meanwhile, Europe is working towards becoming the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050. They aim to reduce emissions by 55 percent by 2030. However, recent reports indicate that the EU is only partially meeting these targets, highlighting the need for decisive action.
Leena Ylä-Mononen, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, stressed that stronger measures and adequate funding are necessary to achieve climate goals.
Australia has also committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and plans to cut emissions by 43 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to keep it under 1.5 degrees.
Trump’s exit from the agreements has placed the U.S. alongside countries like Iran and Libya, which are also outside the pact. As businesses begin to factor climate concerns into their profit strategies, ignoring these changes could lead to significant risks and missed opportunities in the transition to a sustainable economy.
Despite uncertainty after Trump’s election, Europe remains committed to its decarbonization efforts. No other economies followed the U.S. lead when he withdrew from the Paris Agreement, and Europe aims to ensure that trend continues. They believe the future lies in green capitalism over traditional, polluting practices.
