Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce emissions and combat climate change sends the wrong signal to the world and could hand its competitors an upper hand in the clean energy race, experts have said.
It was an anticipated step by Mr Trump that comes despite heat records being shattered and scientists warning of more extreme weather events.
Market watchers have said that progress to tackle climate change will continue – although at a slower pace in the US.
Speaking to The National, Thomas Hohne-Sparborth, head of Sustainability Research, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, said that during Mr Trump's last administration, the energy transition continued despite a withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. “The cost of solar continued to fall, we had the quintupling of the number of electric vehicles on the road in the US,” Mr Hohne-Sparborth said.
The move, according to Karim Elgendy, climate expert and associate fellow at British think tank, Chatham House, “marks a dramatic reversal in US climate policy and an abdication of its global responsibility”.
“While the US currently accounts for 13 per cent of annual emissions, its historical emissions represent a quarter of accumulated atmospheric carbon from human activity to date. This weakens the United States' global standing and sends the wrong signals for some policymakers in developing countries that remained on the fence regarding climate commitments.”
Steven Okun, a member of former president Bill Clinton's administration and now chief executive of APAC Advisors, said the climate crisis would worsen regardless of Mr Trump’s decision “with devastating consequences for the environment, human rights and global stability”.
“The world will witness more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising sea levels, economic disruption and melting of polar ice caps and glaciers,” Mr Okun told The National. “The US not being a party to the Paris Agreement will make this more challenging.”
Daniel Murray, deputy chief information officer and global head of research at Swiss private bank EFG International, told The National it was a “major setback for the climate change community”.
“It could encourage other countries to follow suit and will make it much more difficult for the targeted temperature change limits to be met, not least because the US ranks second behind only China in the world ranking of greenhouse gas emissions by country.”
It also potentially creates additional costs for businesses that might have to follow different rules and regulations dependent in which part of the world they are located.
Second time around
It is the second time Mr Trump has withdrawn America from the deal – to limit global temperature increases to 1.5ºC on pre-industrial levels – first in 2017 before Mr Biden rejoined.
“Every fraction of a degree matters,” Moustafa Bayoumi, climate change research fellow at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, told The National. “The world is not on track to keep the 1.5ºC target so this could make it even harder.”
Mr Bayoumi said it could slow US emissions cuts and lead to reduced funding for entities that tackle environmental issues. He said countries in the Middle East and other regions could be hit by climate finance cuts, while China and EU could play a bigger role globally. “The energy transition will happen but the pace could be affected,” he said. “It is quite worrying.”
However, coalitions of US states, cities and businesses that formed when Mr Trump pulled the US out the first time are making fresh commitments to shore up efforts to tackle climate change. “They still exist, are active and reiterating they will uphold targets,” Mr Bayoumi said. “For them nothing has changed.”
World has moved on
Analysis by the UK-based climate specialist website, Carbon Brief, has found that Mr Trump's second term could add four billion tonnes to US emissions by 2030 – equivalent to the combined annual emissions of the EU and Japan.
However, experts also said that the world is in a different place to 2017 when Mr Trump began his first term. Since then, countries have increased the clean energy transition with the International Energy Agency now forecasting the global market for such technologies to triple to more than $2 trillion by 2035. This is driven not so much through altruistic reasons but a desire for energy security and to develop future industries.
Mr Elgendy said the transition appears to have passed an “irreversible tipping point” that is being driven by increasing investments and declining costs in solar technology rather than policy commitments. “Solar photovoltaic costs have fallen by 15 per cent per cent annually between 2010 to 2020 and are set to become the cheapest source of electricity in 2027 in all but eight countries,” he said. “This technological and economic momentum exists independently of climate policies.”
Climate Analytics, a climate science and policy institute in Berlin, on Tuesday said Mr Trump’s decision could boost US competitors such as China and Europe in clean energy and technology. “Not only is US global leadership damaged but more significantly is its clean tech industry's competitive position in a growing global market, currently dominated by China,” said Mr Elgendy.
Will the US still attend climate talks?
The next annual climate gathering, Cop30, takes place in Brazil, but the US is still expected to take part in what is seen as a crucial meeting to stave off the worst effects of climate change. “What happens in those rooms does affect them,” said Mr Bayoumi. “They will not have the same obligations but they will definitely participate in the negotiations.”
Experts previously warned of much graver consequences should the US withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Still, Mr Okun said governments and citizens across the world will “continue demanding climate action and sustainability” from businesses and investors. However, he cautioned that there could be more of a focus on climate adaptation and “less so on climate mitigation”. Adaptation refers to ways to deal with climate change such as building sea walls or using water more efficiently while mitigation refers to emissions cuts.
“Expect to see greater investment and focus on the former. The planet will only getting more dangerous as a result.”
'The door remains open'
Still, about half of Americans “somewhat” or “strongly” oppose US action to withdraw from the climate accord, according to a poll from the Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research. And even Mr Trump's Republicans are not overwhelmingly in favour. The move also comes after deadly fires in Los Angeles devastated large part parts of the city that scientists suggested climate change exacerbated.
Mr Murray predicted an increase in climate-related events, with a knock-on impact on the global insurance industry. “The recent Californian fires put this in sharp focus,” he said. Simon Stiell, the UN's climate chief on Tuesday, meanwhile, said embracing the global clean energy boom will mean “massive profits, millions of manufacturing jobs and clean air”.
“Ignoring it only sends all that vast wealth to competitor economies, while climate disasters like droughts, wildfires and superstorms keep getting worse, destroying property and businesses, hitting nationwide food production, and driving economywide price inflation,” said Mr Stiell in remarks carried by Reuters. “The door remains open to the Paris Agreement and we welcome constructive engagement from any and all countries.”
Donald Trump's first day back in office – in pictures
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Rating: 2.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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The bio:
Favourite film:
Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Favourite holiday destination:
Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.
Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.
Favourite pastime:
Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.
Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.
Personal motto:
Declan: Take chances.
Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.
The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Winners
Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski
Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea
Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona
Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)
Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)
Best National Team of the Year: Italy
Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello
Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)
Player Career Award: Ronaldinho
Rajasthan Royals 153-5 (17.5 ov)
Delhi Daredevils 60-4 (6 ov)
Rajasthan won by 10 runs (D/L method)
More on Quran memorisation:
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Read more about the coronavirus
Scoreline
Australia 2-1 Thailand
Australia: Juric 69', Leckie 86'
Thailand: Pokklaw 82'
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Company%20profile
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
