The Atlantic: Is Trump’s Climate-Change Agenda Politically Sustainable?

After long raising doubts about climate change, the US president decided to withdraw from the global treaty on climate change. He claims his decision will create jobs and questions if the agreement will truly stem climate change. He says he will try to renegotiate a deal already agreed by more than 190 countries, and expressed little concern that reopening the treaty could be difficult. The decision could spur other countries, as well as many US states, cities and businesses to take vigorous steps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and develop alternatives. Virtually all serious researchers agree that climate change is a serious global challenge, and the United States as a leading carbon emitter could face a global backlash. Writing for the Atlantic, Ronald Brownstein points out that resisting cooperation on climate change is unsustainable. “Predictability is a necessity for the key industries that fit into America’s energy puzzle, especially electric utilities, oil and gas producers, and automobile manufacturers,” he explains. “That’s why President Trump’s efforts to systematically reverse Barack Obama’s energy and environmental policies represent such a gamble for them.” The United States is ceding leadership on climate policy and innovations to China. US manufacturers now must decide if Trump’s policies are realistic or whether they should pursue higher standards on their own. And the rest of the world will decide whether to continue counting on the United States for any deals. – YaleGlobal