Paris is a Progressive Fairy Tale: In Praise of American Withdrawal

Abstract

The Paris Agreement on climate change is a deeply flawed document built on the dubious principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The United States is wise to leave it. In this commentary, I will outline the features that make these pacts objectionable and ineffectual. Paris and the UNFCCC reject the notion of formal equality and establish different expectations for different parties. They seek to transfer wealth and resources. They blame the West for the world’s problems and privilege countries that pose the most acute threats. They promote globalist socialist governance. They legitimize a continual intensification of government supervision. They will not fix climate change. Paris and the UNFCCC are progressive fairy tales.

Keywords: Climate Change, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Environmental Law, International Law, Progressivism, Globalism, Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, Human Rights

JEL Classification: K32, K33, Q54