Consider the Paris Agreement Questions Raised by Trump's Exit

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President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change commonly known as the Paris Agreement. His move has been criticized as a "setback in global efforts to combat global warming" and an expression of Trump's "America First" stance.

However, his exit from the agreement contains a mixed, although decidedly blunt message, making points that should not be overlooked.

First, the withdrawal reflects skepticism about the reality of the agreement's aims. It seeks to limit global temperatures to a 1.5ั° rise. However, China, the world's largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitter, has failed to take any credible action.

Second, at each UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP), developing countries have demanded enormous amounts of financial assistance. Yet, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere continues to rise.

The US withdrawal thus can be seen as a wake-up call to address this futile situation.

Trump's 'Energy Dominance' Approach

Upon taking office, Trump pledged to increase domestic production of fossil fuels, including natural gas and petroleum. This approach has been criticized as a step backward from the Paris Agreement.

However, it is important to note that this development promises to revitalize the US economy. Additionally, the increase in US production could destabilize the financial foundations of Russia and Iran by driving oil prices lower.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration should emulate Trump's philosophy of "energy dominance." Here, "dominance" means enjoying the advantage and represents the basis for energy security.

*A bird's-eye view of Kansai Electric Power's Takahama Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2. (©Sankei /helicopter by Kotaro Hikono)*

Meeting the Paris Climate Change Goals

Soon the Ishiba Cabinet will approve Japan's next Basic Energy Plan. The 2025 plan includes a policy calling for "maximizing the use" of nuclear power generation.

Also, February marks the five-year deadline for Paris Agreement member states to update their greenhouse gas reduction targets. Japan will adopt the aim of reducing emissions by 60% by FY2035, up from its current target of a 46% reduction by FY2030.

Necessarily, restarting dormant nuclear power plants is the key to whether or not the country can achieve this goal.

Acknowledging Diverse Views

It should be noted that the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is additionally related to the diversity of scientific views on climate change. UN agencies have determined that the main cause of global warming is CO2. However, many researchers have also pointed to the significance of solar activity and other natural factors.

Currently, expressions of dissent are subject to pressure through restricted publishing access and budgets. However, this pressure undermines the integrity of academic research. We hope President Trump's decision will also provide the impetus for adopting a broader perspective on our increasingly crisis-plagued world.

In short, Japan's future is in jeopardy if it neglects to prioritize energy.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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