U.S. Pulls Out of Paris Climate Agreement

Story Description

President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord. The accord is an international agreement signed by more than 190 countries who have agreed to address climate change by trying to keep global temperature rise this century below 2 degrees. Trump says that the Paris Agreement would have been bad for U.S. workers and their businesses. The

 U.S. produces the second highest greenhouse gas emissions and is only topped by China, who remains committed to the agreement. Listen to learn more why Trump decided to leave the agreement and what it might mean for the future.

Listening Comprehension Questions

• Who are the people who lobbied President Trump on either side to try to influence his decision?
• What is the timeline for these actions?
• How does this decision relate to beliefs about climate change?
• What issues does the audio story claim are core parts of Trump’s agenda?
• How might this decision affect U.S. relationships with other countries?
• What are the pros and cons of the United States being part of the Paris Climate Accord?

Classroom Discussion Themes

• What evidence would you use to persuade a country to participate or not participate in the
•  Paris Climate Agreement?
• In your opinion, why is it important that this is an international agreement?

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