Supreme Court’s Climate Stay May Imperil Paris Climate Accord

"WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court’s surprise decision Tuesday to halt the carrying out of President Obama’s climate change regulation could weaken or even imperil the international global warming accord reached with great ceremony in Paris less than two months ago, climate diplomats say.

The Paris Agreement, the first accord to commit every country to combat climate change, had as a cornerstone Mr. Obama’s assurance that the United States would enact strong, legally sound policies to significantly cut carbon emissions. The United States is the largest historical greenhouse gas polluter, although its annual emissions have been overtaken by China’s.

But in the capitals of India and China, the other two largest polluters, climate change policy experts said the court’s decision threw the United States’ commitment into question, and possibly New Delhi’s and Beijing’s."

Coral Davenport reports for the New York Times February 10, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"U.S. Can Still Hit Climate Goals Despite Supreme Court Pause, White House Says" (Reuters)

"Supreme Court Halts Clean Power Plan, with Implications Far Beyond the U.S." (InsideClimate News)

"Fallout From Climate Ruling Lands Quickly" (Politico)

"Supreme Shock: Has US Court Holed Paris Climate Deal?" (BBC News)