My piece on the Conversation: Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord cedes global leadership to China

6/1/2017

President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord shocked the whole world. What does it mean?

I just published a piece, "Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord cedes global leadership to China" on the Conversation.

Here is the last paragraph:

"The domestic environmental crisis has increased Chinese public concern about climate change. By pulling the United States back from international leadership to address climate change, President Trump has opened up an opportunity for China to step up. At this historic moment, China has every incentive to become a global climate leader."

21 Comments

A.Pow

10/26/2017 12:20:05 pm

All Trump cares about is money. He doesn’t care about the environment and will keep degrading it by any means necessary. Like most Americans, Trump is taking our clean air and blue skies for granted. I believe the ONLY thing that would help change his mind would be experiencing what the Chinese experience for a couple of weeks. I commend the Chinese government for taking a stance against climate change and I am highly disappointed in Trump for not seeing the irrefutable harm that all of these factories are doing to everyone on a global scale. I’m scared for my unborn children because I feel as if the degradation to the planet Is only going to get worse when people who think like Trump are in office, but people like President Xi gives me hope. Maybe our next president will follow suite.

C. Smith

10/27/2017 09:16:27 pm

For Trump to not care about climate change just baffles me. Climate change not only affects the United States citizens, but it also extremely affects the entire world and our future. I think the acceptance of China to continue to take a stand with climate change and work towards this issue is wonderful and appreciated by every one on this Earth. Furthermore, China, specifically, should definitely work out something to reduce their heavy reliance on coal to help diminish so much air pollution. Air pollution will definitely continue to be a huge issue if not tended to. I personally do not believe that China will have any problem stepping up and taking control of this issue.

J. Faust

10/28/2017 05:35:30 pm

As a veteran, a furloughed freight train conductor of 5 years for CSX transportation, and a father of two. I was devastated when Obama put a stop to coal mines in the south eastern U.S. It is the reason I am in college at 30 years old attempting to start my life completely over again. I have recently become informed about the devastating effects of climate change and I completely agree that this is everyone's problem. It is absolutely appalling to me that this is being looked at as President Trump's fault, like he has been the one sing individual burning coal in china since the 1960s. I am in no way saying I support Trump's decisions in resigning from the Paris Agreement or not believing global warming is a big issue. I feel that this article was more about the pollution in China's cities than anything. I understand the play on pathos (emotion) to bring forth a call to action in the reader, but honestly, I don't feel China's pollution problem is any concern for the U.S. I understand that it is a terrible thing for the citizens of China and my heart goes out to them, but shouldn't their government be the one to take the blame? I know that countries all over the world have contributed to the pollution in China, but it was not done without the permission of the Chinese government. If china has all of this capability to produce solar panels I would think that they would be trying to convert everything in their own country instead of burning coal to make the solar panels to sell abroad. I understand the panic of the citizens in China over the pollution their cities, and I can't imagine having to live my day to day life like that. However, China needs to get going in the right direction and everyone else nationally needs to quit pointing their fingers at the U.S. like every problem they have is our concern. You can't be mad at a fish for swimming, just like you can't be mad at a business man for looking to make money and reduce cost, it's in their nature. I am not saying that climate change isn't all of our problem, but I am saying that China's pollution problem is just that, their problem.

A. Smith

10/28/2017 10:18:38 pm

I think that Trump is not using common scene and, just wants to blame everything that is bad on immigrants. I do not think that he understands or even cares about the massive affects that climate change can have and is taking place right now. I say because we have clean air over here and still can breath and see that sky unlike China and other places in Europe, that Trump thinks its not his problem. In reality it is everybody's problem. We need to help one another to make a change, make a safer environment for our kids in the future. Trump is not seeing the bigger picture he just sees money, not the well being of others.

K. Wright

10/29/2017 07:33:47 pm

I enjoyed this Blog on "Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris accord cedes global leadership to China" by Wanyun Shao because it was short, simple, explained everything necessary that needed to be explained, and was in order backed by facts. I see that you are stating facts, and your findings, but what do you think of his decision? Do you think he is taking the wrong path and that he should keep the agreement? In my opinion, I believe they should keep the agreement, but meet and adjust some of what is promised and agreed upon. I believe that they should keep the agreement, keep trading peace, keep peace in general, and find a safer way to decrease the air pollution. I do also agree that China will become a global climate leader especially if they know we do not have an agreement with them anymore. If Trump does withdraw from the agreement then China can decide to stop trading with the U.S. right? I believe we should all be able to trade, make our own set of goods, and keep the agreement to keep peace and organization in place otherwise, we have no idea how things could change for the U.S. and China.

B. Rogers

10/29/2017 10:51:40 pm

Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the agreement is ignorant and prideful. Despite the effects of pollution that we can already see in China, he would rather focus on the short-term economy of the U.S. By "waiting for a negotiation," Trump has shrunken away from taking responsibility for America's emissions and bought the country more time to continue emitting greenhouse gases at the same rate. If China continues to be the global leader in green energy, the U.S. will be in their hands when Trump changes his mind (if ever). China’s tactic for using soft power while battling pollution is a much smarter move than Trump has made. There is power in unity, and with all the developed nations unified through the Paris Agreement there is some hope that we can minimize the effects of climate change. In the future I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump’s greed further isolates the U.S. when we need outside help.

T. Andrews

10/29/2017 10:52:15 pm

Donald Trump and his base has shown a huge amount of ignorance when it comes to the idea of climate change. Money and jobs seem to be the only priority of this administration. The saying, "Ignorance is bliss" is what I classify Trump as. Many Americans don't understand the concept of Climate Change. If you take into account that most of his base are elderly people with less than a college education, than it can be expected that these people don't understand this crisis.Trump also believes in America first and the country being a part of the Paris Accord isn't not putting America first in his eyes.However, this shoudn't be about America, but it should be about having a care about humanity and this Earth. Climate change has became a political party controversy which is a problem. This shouldn't be classified as being a liberal if you care about the Earth. China's willingness to try to combat climate change speaks to how its ideology is far more advanced and open than the U.S. Climate change not only has an effect on today, but it will have an impact on the future world.

M. Leonard

10/29/2017 10:53:31 pm

I actually supported Trump from the beginning. Ever since he started campaigning and all I can say now is I'm disappointed. Climate change is such a huge topic and it matters more than he realizes. For Trump to say things like "climate change isn't real," "it's fake news or alternative facts," really shows his true colors. In order for there to be any kind of change, whether it be with the climate or more importantly China, where we get most of the things we use on a day to day basis, we have to establish peace and we have to set an example or otherwise other countries will not follow in our foot steps. I commend and love that other countries such as India and China are wanting to make a difference when it comes to the climate and wanting to just make an overall difference to the world. In order for us to do so, our so called President needs to step up, but I feel as if someone who thinks as Trump does, then there is no hope. The rulers in other countries give me some shred of hope, that there is some good in this world. Hopefully some good will come about in the future whether it be with Trump, President Xi, or even a single child, there is hope for America.

S.Pressley

10/29/2017 11:44:59 pm

President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord agreement was a selfish decision that he made. I use the term selfish because he’s a billionaire and all he see and think about is money. Apparently he don’t see the United States benefiting from the Paris accord climate agreement so he chose to withdraw. China wants to make a difference and President Trump should have taken into consideration what’s the best decision for the people in the world. Climate change isn’t nothing to take slightly. We already witness that with the multiple hurricanes coming back to back. The Paris climate accord agreement is to help with all the toxic things that we are contributing to the world as people. We are constantly putting ourselves in harms way when we don’t take climate change seriously. President Trump obvious don’t think climate change is real. And for those who voted for him, I feel bad for them because they believed in all his campaigning. Now President Trump is showing his true colors, he’s all about a dollar and climate change apparently doesn’t affect him or his family. His words were “unless we can reengage on terms more favorable to the United States” More favorable? I’m guessing monetarily a trade for a trade. Hopefully, the next President of the US believes in climate change and wants to unite with other countries about climate issues.

Y. Kim

10/29/2017 11:54:46 pm

I do not support President Trump that he is resigning from the Paris Agreement. In 2014, the 2 top carbon dioxide emitters were China and United States, according to this information, the United State needs to continue to take steps to tackle climate change and fully honor its obligations as China. Also, the climate change effects to all over the world not only for US citizens. If the United States is not responsible for environmental pollution, the countries adjacent to the United States will uprise in the near future. So, United States must sign in Paris Agreement for the whole world.

J. Boutdy

10/29/2017 11:55:13 pm

It very much frustrates me how political the issue of climate change is in America. Especially with the recent election, people pit each other against one another by labeling sides of issues as "conservative" and liberal." They begin to neglect the issue by running off assumptions based on these labels. I am frustrated with how President Trump seems to be neglecting the facts and data that is being presented to him about climate change, where a majority of the world is receiving the same data but taking action. As we have talked about in class, tackling climate change has to be a joint effort of countries across the globe. We all contribute to climate change and we all have to put in effort to deal with the consequences of our actions. Now that President Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, it does not stop the world from tackling climate change, but it definitely slows down the progression the Paris Agreement is striving to make against climate change. The U.S. emits so much CO2 and pollution, but we are also a major powerhouse with vast resources that has the power to make a big impact on the fight against climate change. Many of us in the U.S. may not be experiencing the current impacts of climate change where we are, but that does not mean it is not happening in the world. As the article mentioned, China is facing the consequences of climate change firsthand. We need to take these polls and testimonies into account and take them seriously, because people's lives are being directly impacted now. It may not be our lives, but if we don't act soon, it may very much be our lives at stake.

Z.Sandifer

10/30/2017 04:29:23 pm

Climate change is something most people can agree is an immense problem. Ignoring those facts will not make the problem go away. America has always wanted to be the pioneers in making huge strides in positive categories. If the Trump administration viewed the problem as an opportunity, rather than a problem, they would be in a much better place as far as the will of the people is concerned. Instead of taking on the plight of Climate change, we are letting others such as China lead the way. It's a sad world we live in, when the U.S. hands those opportunities up, and puts its leadership as a world power on the back burner for other nations. So I tip my hat to those who do not deny, and those who seek to inform and fix the problem, rather than exacerbate it with ignorance.

Krystal Lloyd

10/30/2017 09:38:41 pm

A majority of the United States citizens, mainly the older generations, have difficulty believing in something such as climate change. I remember asking my father if he believed in climate change and his response was ,"I'm not quite sure that humanity could have such an impact on something huge like that." However, as we look back into history, humanity has built nuclear weapons, such as the atomic bomb, nuclear warheads, and hydrogen bombs. If people can make such disasterous weapons and know what they're making, how is it so hard to believe that we could change the natural balance of nature? Climate change is a matter to be taken seriously as our future generations depend on us to pave a path for them to walk along. The fact that President Trump has withdrawn the U.S out of the Paris Agreement and advocates to bring coal business back displays his extent of knowledge on the dangerous path the world been going down. I do not believe he truly understands what global warming/climate change is as during one of his campaigns he said something along the lines of, "Wow, it's kind of chilly here tonight. We could use some global warming." to gain a humorous reaction from the audience. As we have discussed in class, the world must make a united effort into resolving the problem we have all created. However, with the withdrawal of the U.S, the speed of progress in the resolve is delayed. I am grateful that someone has taken the lead in making changes from fossil-fueled energy to renewable energy. Hopefully, other countries will be following China's lead to a better tomorrow.

D.strouse

10/30/2017 10:21:58 pm

The problem with pollution within each country can go 2 different ways. Either every country decides to focus on their own and repair their own damages or all countries can come together to help clean up the mess as a team. Trump has decided to focus on our countries problem alone and wether that was the right or wrong choice no one will know until it has all played out. You have low educated men and women arguing both sides and you have highly educated men and women arguing both sides. One side tends to have a strong nationalism belief while the other has a global belief. Not saying either one is wrong because both have their fair share of pros and cons but only time will tell.

J.Guffin

10/30/2017 10:28:54 pm

It's funny to me that people are mad at Trump being what Trump is. He is always was and always will be a business man and when you combined that with politician you have get a man who will trade long term benefits for short term gains so that his presidency will have a sense of success for while he was in office. I think the better is, "Who outside of students who are required to read this truly pay that close attention?" I am not doubting the sincerity of my classmates or myself because everyone has posted great comments and points. I simply recognize that if not for this class I probably wouldn't read about all of this because of how busy I am on a daily basis and that is a major part of the issue. We as Americans allow ourselves to be distracted very easily when we want to be.

I am very encouraged by China and other countries that are taking the lead to change the pollution they have allowed in their countries. I think this will help them not only health wise but put money in the countries pockets as well by being a leader in this field and controlling the market from the beginning. At the same time however they have to lead because of the living status they allowed their country to get to.

It is easy to make this change when the public is drastically in favor of it. We saw this in the Leonardo DiCaprio documentary when it showed us how American Politicians flipped on issues based on public opinion. When you look at what is important to our citizens based on what we watch, read, listen to, etc. climate change is very far down the list. I see more stuff about the NFL kneeling controversy then I do Climate Change on the news and I do my best to watch/listen to all of the news stations. We can start being a leader for improving the environment when we as a people decide its important to us. That's what China has done and hopefully we will follow.

M. Little

10/30/2017 10:39:36 pm

Politics in America are damaging the future of this country, both environmentally and economically. Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, demonstrates his own biases in regards to the economy. As a business man, his primary objective is profit. Now that he is president, he is in a position to greatly influence the path this nation takes in a way that best benefits himself. However, even though these decisions he is making may be beneficial in the short term, they are far more harmful in the long term. For example, we may be saving jobs in the short term, but are losing out on the potential new jobs that can come out of the clean energy sector. Also, we run the risk of falling behind in terms of technology compared to greener nations, as well as losing the respect of the rest of the world thus reducing our own political influence.

The fierce political division in this country also poses potential harm. This division forms a foot hold, for those who appose the concept of climate change, to prevent the changes that need to take place. Many people on one political side or another in this country will point blank refuse to except anything proposed by someone on the opposite side. Those like Trump who would not benefit from new environmental regulations, do not have to sway one side or the other to their view, but simply point out that the majority of the other side disagrees with them thus cementing their own view into the original side. Mob mentality is a very dangerous beast in its own right. If only people could think for themselves.

What will it take for Americans to agree on the dangers of climate change? Will we be able to make a compromise with ourselves, or will it take an environmental travesty like that in China to unite this nation against climate change? I do not know the answer, but I hope it is not the latter.

C. Stollenwerck

11/1/2017 06:38:50 pm

When I first learned that Trump had opted out of the Paris treaty, I was in complete shock. I still think about it frequently. I do not understand how he does not see that the environment as a concern. It makes no sense. In my opinion, I feel that the reason that Trump decided not to be part of the Paris Treaty is just because the Obama administration had done so much to try to improve the environment. It is like a power struggle. Trump seems to want to change everything that the Obama administration had set in place. The environment is the only one we get and with more and more carbon going into the air and global warming we can not afford not to take care of our environment. Just look at Alaska and all the glaciers, just in the last 10 years they have shrunk more than ever due to global warming, which makes the sea levels rise more every year.

M.Mixon

11/1/2017 09:01:30 pm

I think that your article was simple and to the point but I did take knowledge from it. I honestly think that our President Trump does not care at about climate change, I think that he is unaware of what it truly is and what it effects the world. If he really just took the time to learn about it and to get better informmed then maybe just maybe he would address this issue. I really do applaud China, I think they was looking forward to something like this to happen from our President but its kind of like if he does not care to address it then why should we care?? However, since I have been informed and learned about the topic I really do see the effects and I really wished he addressed it and made a positive change.

J. Streeter

11/7/2017 02:12:47 pm

Reading this article, it just reminds us Americans of how selfish and prideful our president really is. To not care about climate change, on of the biggest topics in the U.S, just disgusts me. Being in the United States Armed Forces, I feel as climate change is something we should harp on more. Politics are hurting our country. I respect China and all of their aspirations.

Marquita R.

2/5/2018 09:48:16 am

Trump's obviously not concerned with climate change, which he's shown through this Executive Order to withdraw the United States from Paris Accord's climate agreement. His motive? Is it to blatantly ignore global warming, because he claims it's a Chinese scheme? Is he serious? Wow, is he a scientist, too? Just in case you're wondering, Trump majored in economics, not environment studies. Basically, he may be qualified to administer change, but he cannot and should not attempt to determine or interpret climate patterns. Instead of promoting public awareness and educating citizens, he's actually encouraging us to ignore the warning signs of climate change. Meanwhile, China's on a path towards global dominance through its own time of crisis. China's heavy industrialization has quite possibly made it the world's largest contributor to global warming; but, ironically, they've used this problem to grow economically through encouraging collaboration to fight global warming. I recognize it may be a more serious issue for the Chinese population, due to their common smog. However, with Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord, he left the remaining world regions, mainly China, to continue these collaborated global efforts. Their plans to dominate solar panel production, in addition to Trump's withdrawal, will undoubtedly give China a chance to become the global leader of climate change.

J. Schultz

2/10/2018 05:22:19 pm

Dr.Shao, While the Paris is can be very beneficial to our planet, The fact is that it was President Obama who signed and implemented the actions the U.S. needed to take in order to keep our emissions to a minimum. Being the nationalist business man 45 is, I am sure coal producing companies have monetarily solidified his stance on climate change. With this particular situation, President Obama could have helped slow our withdraw down by submitting his declaration to congress. Sure, the potential rejection from congress was the reason he did not do so, but, at what cost? We all watched how easy it was for 45 to repeal his submission. 45 made it clear that he would not let China become an influencing factor, as far as the reduction of GHG, when he set a 30% tariff on solar imports. I think China's heart is in the right spot. However, I think their exports would have to drop drastically. I think that if a country can be self sufficient this would lower production in places like China and the U.S.

Wanyun Shao, Ph.D

I am a geographer who studies the relationship between human society and the environment at various geographic levels. I apply both quantitative (i.e., statistics and geospatial models) and qualitative (i.e., in-person interviews and policy analysis) methods in my research.

As a National Academies of Sciences Gulf Research Program Early-Career Research Fellow, my current research is focused on the U.S. Gulf Coast Region.

My piece on the Conversation: Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord cedes global leadership to China

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Wanyun Shao, Ph.D

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