Argentina's President Considers Exiting Paris Climate Accord

President Javier Milei's administration is reassessing its approach to climate policy, which raises concerns about potential widespread repercussions among other countries.

Argentina's foreign minister, Gerardo Werthein, announced that the nation is currently deliberating its future regarding the 2015 Paris climate accord. This comes as President Milei abruptly removed the Argentine delegation from the ongoing COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The possibility of withdrawal has far-reaching implications, especially as it could encourage similar exits from other nations, potentially undermining global efforts to combat climate change.

Milei's government is reevaluating the deal, which they believe contains elements that conflict with their agenda. Werthein revealed that while a decision hasn't been made, they are delaying actions until a clearer strategy emerges. The ramifications of Argentina's potential departure from the agreement could mirror the chaos witnessed after Trump's exit from the accord, igniting fears of a domino effect on international climate initiatives. The right-wing libertarian Milei has previously dismissed the climate crisis, labeling it a “socialist lie,” indicating a significant ideological shift in Argentina's climate policy approach.