Nuclear fusion: A carbon-free energy source |
THE Conference of the Parties (COP) 30 reconfirmed the Trump administration’s opposition to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Simultaneously, it has exposed the limits of international efforts to prevent global warming without the United States’ dynamic involvement. The United States’ withdrawal from the UNFCCC process demoralized participants at the COP30 summit held in Brazil. Though the number was remarkable, the summit’s outcome was disappointing. Representatives from 194 countries avoided including the term “fossil fuels” in the final agreement. They refrained from bluntly reaffirming that fossil fuels should be phased out of the energy mix. The outcome of COP 30 has drawn attention towards a serious puzzle about the efficacy of climate diplomacy.
The COP 30 took place at a time when the Trump administration announced a plan to open 1.3 billion acres of coastal waters to new oil and gas drilling. The White House Spokeswoman said, “He (President Trump) will not jeopardize our country’s economic and national security to pursue vague climate goals that are killing other countries.” Instead of decreasing the usage of fossil fuels, Americans are increasing their use. It is a shift from the Biden administration’s commitment made in COP28.
Notably, at COP28 held from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at........