Just a few hours after his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change. The 2015 climate agreement commits countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming within 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. However, the U.S. exit, as one of the largest carbon emitters, effectively raises questions about the significance of climate initiatives. In this context, should Kyrgyzstan continue to focus on the green agenda?

Employees of the environmental public organization "MoveGreen" believe that, despite such decisions from the U.S., Kyrgyzstan must continue to focus on the green agenda, as climate change is a global challenge that affects all countries, both developed and developing. The decision of one country, even a significant one, should not be a reason to abandon our commitments.

The organization acknowledges that the U.S. move could trigger a "domino effect" and lead to other countries deactivating their climate commitments. However, experts believe this could also serve as an incentive for the environmental community and activists worldwide to more vigorously promote the climate agenda.

"This decision by the U.S. may affect access to climate financing not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for other developing countries. The U.S. is one of the largest carbon emitters and is obligated to provide significant climate financing as part of its responsibility to developing countries," — says Azat Muradyl, the head of the environmental public organization "MoveGreen".

He also believes that, despite global uncertainty, it is crucial for Kyrgyzstan to continue investing in the development of renewable energy sources. This not only helps reduce dependence on fuel imports but also strengthens the country's energy security and environmental resilience.

The head of the environmental public organization is confident that the socio-economic situation of the population requires a balanced approach. Traditional energy resources may remain a temporary tool for ensuring stability in the energy system. In the long term, transitioning to renewable energy sources is a strategically beneficial choice.

"Cooperation among Central Asian countries on climate change is already strengthening due to shared challenges. The U.S. decision is unlikely to be a key factor in enhancing this interaction. However, the current situation underscores the importance of regional coordination and experience sharing. It is crucial for Kyrgyzstan to work on its climate strategies, as climate change is already affecting the economy and the environment. These initiatives can be integrated with addressing local economic challenges to ensure sustainable development and minimize long-term risks," — says Gulmira Esengeldi, project manager at "MoveGreen."

She notes that Kyrgyzstan cannot completely abandon the green agenda. At this stage, it is important to focus on the existing initiatives and their implementation.

"The political landscape in the U.S. can change at any moment, while climate challenges will only intensify. Kyrgyzstan should choose the most advantageous and promising scenarios that will yield the greatest returns," — believes Azat Muradyl.

Claire Nullis, a representative of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), commented on the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement the day after President Trump signed it. She emphasized that the WMO confirmed earlier this year that the previous year was the warmest on record. Throughout the year, there were record high temperatures for land surface, sea surface temperatures and heat accumulation in the oceans.

As Claire Nullis mentioned, the majority of global economic losses from climate-related disasters and catastrophes have occurred in the United States. For example, according to U.S. data, the total damage from over 400 incidents in the states since 1980 exceeds 2.915 trillion USD. Therefore, the world is now perplexed by the new U.S. president's decision, as the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement is now in serious jeopardy.

By the way, Trump has also pulled the US out of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The US joined the WHO in 1948 after both houses of Congress passed a joint resolution. President Trump took steps to withdraw from the WHO in 2020 during his first term, but that decision was reversed by the Biden administration.

By the way, Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. joined the WHO in 1948 after both chambers of Congress passed a joint resolution. President Trump took steps to exit the WHO in 2020 during his first term, but this decision was reversed by the Biden administration.