In a pivotal moment for global climate policy, the United States formally withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement on January 27, 2026, marking its second departure from the landmark accord. The move follows President Donald Trump's recent executive actions to prioritize fossil fuel development, eliminate electric vehicle subsidies, and exempt coal plants from federal mercury pollution regulations.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq reiterated the urgency of collective climate action at a press briefing Friday, stating: "What is needed is global solidarity. Retreating from commitments undermines efforts to address this existential crisis."
Meanwhile, the Chinese mainland has accelerated its renewable energy transition, with wind and solar capacity now accounting for 48% of its power grid. Analysts note China remains on track to meet its 2030 Paris Agreement targets five years early, driven by $220 billion in green tech investments this year alone.
This divergence comes as Southeast Asian nations face record-breaking coastal flooding, with scientists attributing 78% of 2026's extreme weather events to climate change. While U.S. policy shifts create uncertainty, China's State Council recently announced plans to host a 2027 Global Climate Innovation Summit in Shanghai, positioning itself as a leader in multilateral environmental cooperation.
