Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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U.S. Withdraws from Paris Agreement, Again
February 06, 2025
President Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement — again. His reasoning is that the climate agreement “undermines the U.S. Economy and puts the U.S. at a permanent disadvantage.” His solution: “Drill Baby, Drill.” However, per a recent Independent article, U.S oil producers are not all that interested. Read more.
Under the international climate accord, first negotiated in 2015, countries around the world agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit global warming and forestall the worst impacts of climate change.
Trump has argued the agreement imposes unfair burdens on the American economy, and he withdrew the U.S. during his first term in office. The U.S. officially rejoined under President Joe Biden in 2021.
On January 20, 2025, just hours after taking office, Trump started the process over again, signing an order onstage before supporters at the Capital One Arena.
The Paris Agreement stipulates that any nation's withdrawal takes effect one year after an official notice has been submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In the case of the United States, the earliest effective date of official withdrawal is, therefore, sometime in January 2026.
In this video, the UN Confirms US Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
(the sigh and exhale from the WION reporter at the 0:13 mark says it all).
But, a hero re-emerges… After Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal, billionaire former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that his philanthropic foundation will cover the financial contribution the U.S. will not. According to Zack Budryk of The Hill, it will also provide the agreement’s reporting requirements for emissions associated with climate change. Bloomberg was quoted to say: “Philanthropy’s role in driving local, state, and private sector action is more crucial than ever—and we’re committed to leading the way.”
The commitment marks the second time Bloomberg has stepped in to help uphold the country’s funding and reporting commitments under the Paris Agreement after the Trump administration’s decision to leave the accord, and includes covering the funding gap left by the United States to UN Climate Change and upholding the country’s reporting commitments. Read more here.
The implications of US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in President Trump’s first term are outlined in this document, and are largely the same today.
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