RICHARD HAASS and CAROLYN KISSANE
There is no denying the reality of global warming. Each year is hotter than the preceding one. Last month alone was the hottest January on record. Recurring natural disasters – floods, fires, droughts, and hurricanes – are becoming more extreme and frequent. The world has blown through the goal of limiting warming to 1.5º Celsius above the pre-industrial level. At this rate, climate change could define the second half of this century.
National and international efforts to stem climate change are not succeeding. The Global South views the problem as one that ought to be fixed by richer countries that developed sooner. Many countries, including China, prioritize near-term economic growth over reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, and freeriding on other governments’ efforts is widespread, partly owing to public opposition to taxes that could curb energy use or encourage climate-conscious behaviors.
Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has led the United States swiftly into this camp, withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, rescinding emissions-reduction targets, and ending climate-related initiatives. His administration is focused on increasing fossil-fuel production, even though the US is already the world’s leading producer of oil and gas and has only modest potential to increase output.
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