What happens to the energy transition with the US exiting the Paris Agreement?
Jan 30, 2025
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Albert Cheung, Deputy CEO of BloombergNEF, provides key insights into the shifting landscape of climate policy as the U.S. exits the Paris Agreement under President Trump. He discusses the surge in global clean energy investments, particularly driven by China, which now accounts for two-thirds of growth. Cheung also highlights the competitive dynamics of the energy transition and the impact of the U.S. withdrawal on international climate diplomacy, stressing the urgent need for action amidst worsening climate challenges.
The U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement potentially undermines global climate diplomacy, prompting smaller nations to reconsider their climate ambitions.
China's dominance in the energy transition, reflected in record investments of $2.1 trillion, highlights the urgent need for competitive climate policies.
Deep dives
The Impact of U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
The second withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement raises concerns about the global climate diplomacy landscape. Notably, there were fears in 2017 that the exit would lead other nations to follow suit, though this has not occurred yet. The U.S. has historically contributed significantly to climate finance, with projected funding decreasing from $11 billion in 2024 under the Biden administration, which complicates global climate efforts. As major economies look to lead independently, smaller nations may perceive this exit as justification to adopt less ambitious climate goals.
Contrasting Realities in Energy Transition
Amidst rising greenhouse gas emissions and increasing extreme weather events, advancements in clean energy technology continue to flourish. Despite record investments and installations in renewable energy and electric vehicles, this progress falls short of meeting climate targets specified in the Paris Agreement. The 2024 energy transition investment report highlighted a record of $2.1 trillion in investments, driven mainly by China's contributions, yet year-on-year growth has slowed significantly compared to previous years. This dissonance illustrates the tension between meaningful advancements and the urgent need for substantial climate action to meet long-term objectives.
The Evolution of Climate Action Framing
The narrative surrounding climate action has shifted dramatically, evolving from a mindset of sacrifice to recognition of opportunity within the energy transition. Initially framed as a necessary burden, discussions began to embrace the potential for economic gains and job creation through clean energy initiatives following the Paris Agreement. However, recent developments have introduced a competitive element to this transition, where countries now seek to lead in the low-carbon economy. This competition underscores the need for robust policies and regulations that support ambitious climate targets, especially in the wake of shifting political landscapes.
With President Donald Trump back in office, the US is leaving the Paris Agreement for the second time. Unlike in 2017, this withdrawal is set to have more lasting consequences, Akshat Rathi tells producer Mythili Rao. Meanwhile, even as the US gives up its climate leadership, China’s focus on clean energy is growing. A new report from BloombergNEF finds that global investment in the energy transition surpassed $2 trillion for the first time in 2024, with China driving two thirds of year-on-year growth. BNEF Deputy CEO Albert Cheung shares the report’s highlights, and reflects on the role international competition will play in this next phase of reaching net zero.
Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Mythili Rao. Special thanks this week to Sharon Chen, Alfred Cang, Ewa Krukowska, John Ainger, Jen Dlouhy, Zahra Hirji, Lou Del Bello, Simone Iglesias, Amanda Hurley and Jessica Beck. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.