Memorandum Regarding Paris Climate Agreement

Memorandum Regarding Paris Climate Agreement

To: Donald Trump, President of the United States

From: Nora McQuilkin, Secretary of State

Date: 26 April 2018

Re: Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement

Introduction

            Climate change is a global issue, and all nations must be committed to reducing carbon emissions as soon as possible. Without the Paris Climate Accords, emissions will continue to increase resulting in rising sea levels, more severe storms, droughts and food shortages. Nearly every country in the world signed onto this agreement, with the exception of the United States promising to back out in November 2020, which will be detrimental to the efforts of those devoted to the agreement. Considering the U.S. is responsible for one fourth of the world’s total emissions, it is the responsibility of our nation to be a team player remaining part of the agreement while primarily focusing our efforts nationally.

Evidence

            The Paris Climate Agreement is designed to, with the help of all countries, limit global warming to at or below two degrees Celsius per year. In an attempt to limit the restraints it puts on the successes of developing countries, the international community will assist those who need help in making changes in accordance with the agreement. If the United States backs out of this deal with all other countries across the globe, it will undermine the universality of it. The U.S. is a world power, and as mentioned before a major contributor to the world’s total carbon emissions. Therefore, if the United States is seen reneging on an agreement, especially one with detrimental repercussions for the rest of the world, other nations may be incentivized to back out as well.

Implementation

            Seeing as the United States is a major contributor to the world’s total carbon emissions, it is necessary that the nation remains within the Paris Climate Agreement, but to a different degree than previously agreed to. Mr. President, in my opinion the United States needs to focus its efforts on the issue that is global warming in the most effective way possible. Without completely pulling out of the agreement, I think it is necessary for the United States to renegotiate the terms under which it is obligated to participate. I understand that your main concern is that of giving money to developing nations as well as the loss of American jobs. This is something that can be discussed within the agreement. Seeing as our emissions are significant, it is imperative that the United States takes responsibility for the part it has played in global warming. The current agreement should be modified so that the United States is committed to reducing emissions domestically first. In initiating policies and directing funds towards cleaning up our pollution on the home front, it will indirectly benefit the global community while creating jobs in America in the meantime. However, it is necessary for the United States to commit itself to helping other nations as well. As it stands, former president Barack Obama pledged $3 billion to fund efforts to reduce emissions in developing countries. It would not be wise to completely renege on that promise, instead the pledge amount could be lowered. Allocate part of that $3 billion, say $1.5 billion, to efforts within the United States and the remainder can go towards funding developing countries. Other countries seeing the United States back out of the agreement completely would have devastating effects on the purpose of the agreement. It is necessary to renegotiate with the leading countries and work something out to move towards a cleaner, greener earth. Backing out of the deal would be a mistake as climate change is an issue that will continue to affect us and future generations.