Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

TheMK sport US will once again pull out of the Paris Agreement, the world's most important effort to tackle climate change. On the first day of his second term, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US to withdraw from this pact. For many countries, particularly vulnerable ones, this decision is a sign that the US is retreating from its leadership role in global environmental initiatives. The move reinforces the perception that the US isn't committed to global cooperation on climate change.

When the US withdrew from the Paris Agreement during Trump's first term, the global reaction was one of disappointment, concern and criticism. The announcement of a second withdrawal has also drawn criticism from other Paris signatories and environmental groups as well as statements of continued support by states, cities and other countries for the goals of the agreement. The US' move will weaken multilateral cooperation, hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and jeopardize the credibility of the Paris Agreement. Regarding the impact on the US, Xu Liang, an associate professor at the School of International Relations of Beijing International Studies University, told the Global Times that the withdrawal may boost employment and development in traditional industries in the short term, but it will erode the US' long-term interests.

"First, the internal fight between different groups advocating for clean energy and those supporting traditional energy may intensify. Second, it could push the US into a backward position in industries such as new energy vehicles, especially at a time when clean energy is the trend in global development," Xu said.

The California wildfires provide a compelling argument for the US to remain in the Paris Agreement. The Los Angeles Times reported a few days ago that "An extremely warm summer and fall. An unusually dry winter. Hillsides covered with bone-dry vegetation. And strong Santa Ana winds. In the mix of conditions that have contributed to the most destructive fires in L.A. history, scientists say one significant ingredient is human-caused climate change." These fires are a stark reminder of the immediate risks that climate change poses to vulnerable regions. The US should contribute to global efforts to curb emissions, support adaptation strategies, and help fund initiatives to mitigate such environmental disasters in the future. With extreme weather events becoming more common - the UN weather agency just confirmed 2024 was the hottest year on record, the US has a clear responsibility to be part of the global solution. 

Climate change is one of the key areas where the idea of a community with a shared future for mankind should be emphasized. Countries around the world are facing common challenges brought about by climate change, a problem too complex for any single country, no matter how powerful, to tackle alone. All countries, regardless of size, should collectively contribute to the realization of a shared future.

Zhang Tengjun, deputy director of the Department for American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times that climate change remains one of the most active areas of China-US engagement and cooperation in this field affects the stability of China-US relations to a certain extent. It's expected that the US can join forces with China and the rest of the world in combating climate change, rather than backtracking its climate commitments. The US should understand that when the rest of the world suffers from climate change, it won't be spared.