For Europe, Thursday 1 June 2017 will go down in history as a dark day for multilateral climate cooperation. The formal announcement by President Donald Trump of the withdrawal of the United States of America from the Paris climate accord caused sadness and anger in Europe but, listening to representatives of the European institutions, also kindled a redoubling of the determination to take the lead in global efforts to tackle climate change.
The verbal response met the expectations of the many NGOs which took the opportunity to point out the need for more concrete action, out of solidarity with developing countries, since the commitments on the table (which will lead to an increase in temperatures of more than 3 degrees Celsius) are far from meeting the target of keeping the average global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, or even 1.5 degrees C.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that the American decision that was feared has now been confirmed. The United States, the world’s major power and the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases (14% of global emissions), is pulling out of the Agreement for economic reasons, Trump made clear, arguing that the Paris Agreement, which came into force on 4 November 2016, is putting his country at a “disadvantage” – and for that reason, he says he is ready to renegotiate an agreement that will be fairer to American companies and the American taxpayer.
Renegotiation has been categorically rejected by the EU. “Our commitment to the Paris Agreement is unwavering. We will continue to take the lead in the fight against climate change”, stated European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
No renegotiation. “This is a sad day for the global community with a key partner turning its back on climate change. The EU deeply regrets the unilateral decision by the Trump administration to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is an exercise of collective responsibility. The most efficient tool to fight climate change. The Paris Agreement is fit for purpose. The Paris agreement is here to stay and 29 articles of this Paris Agreement are not be renegotiated. Thet are to be implemented. And that is what the EU will do”, immediately responded Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete.
He went on to say that the world can count on Europe to show leadership in the fight against climate change. The EU “will do so by putting into action ambitious climate policies”, it will continue to abide by its nationally determined contributions (NDCs), it will play its part in the €100 billion annual financing by 2020 to support the mitigation and adaptation efforts of developing countries and, in particular, the island states that are most vulnerable to climate change, he stated. The EU will also take the lead by “developing strong partnerships, with China, for example, and with the many US businesses, citizens and communities that have voiced their support for Paris and are taking ambitious climate action” he said.
In a joint statement, Germany, France and Italy also rejected any possibility of renegotiation by President Trump and pledged to implement the universal climate agreement signed by 195 countries in November 20-15.
As COP 21 President Ségolène Royal had immediately done, Commissioner Cañete pointed out on Friday 2 June that the US cannot withdraw for four years since, under the terms of the Paris Agreement (Article 28), there can be no denunciation of the agreement within the three years following its entry into force, and thereafter one year’s notice of withdrawal is required.
It would seem very unlikely, however, that President Trump will feel inclined to abide by the provisions of the multilateral agreement which he decided unilaterally to denounce.
A mistake, a regrettable error, an irresponsible decision. These are the terms on the lips of many lips to describe the American decision, both for the planet and for the United States’ own economic interests. The EU is convinced that energy transition and a low carbon economy are sources of jobs and growth.
“This is a serious time. There is no plan B because there is no planet B”, stated French President Emmanuel Macron, giving assurances that “France will not turn its back on America”, nor will it give up the fight. President of the French Constitutional Council Laurent Fabius, who chaired the conclusion of the Paris Agreement, spoke of “a historic wrong, a major mistake, against the planet and against humanity, justified by lies”.
Remaining in the Paris Agreement is being pragmatic. There was consternation in the European Parliament but the Paris accord will survive the American pull-out, it was stressed. “This agreement is alive and we will take it forward with or without the US administration. Those who choose to remain on the outside will miss a historic opportunity for citizens, the planet and the economy. The EU will continue to lead efforts against climate change and be a global pole of attraction for investment, innovation and technology, creating new jobs and boosting competitiveness”, declared Parliament President Antonio Tajani (EPP, Italy).
Romanian MEP Adina-Ioan Valean (EPP), who chairs the Parliamentary environment committee, commented that “to ease the transition to a low carbon economy is simply to be pragmatic”.
German MEP Jo Leinen (S&D) is calling for the EU to impose a carbon tax on imports from the US. His colleague Rebecca Harms (Greens/EFA) described the decision made by the Trump administration as “short-sighted” and she called on the EU to “make full use of all the innovation and employment potential of green technologies”.
There were even calls, such as the one from European Environmental Bureau Secretary General Jeremy Wates, for “economic measures against the US now (to) be actively explored by the EU and other world powers” to prevent that country from gaining “any short-term competitive advantage through cheating on its obligations to future generations”.
In a joint statement published on Thursday evening, the European Union and the African Union “reaffirm their strong commitment to full implementation of the Paris Agreement, and call on all partners to keep up the momentum created in 2015”. This call comes ahead of COP23, which will be held in Bonn in November of this year and which will be chaired by Fiji, a small island state vulnerable to climate change. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)