Washington: Joining Iran, Libya and Yemen, newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump on his first day in office signed an executive order pulling Washington out of the Paris climate change agreement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump had previously withdrawn the US from the agreement during his first term in 2019. However, then-President Joe Biden reentered the accord in 2021 on his first day in office. Trump's recent withdrawal aligns with his other decisions that have scorned international accords, including a recent order to withdraw from the UN's World Health Organization and his previous decision to pull the US out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.

In justifying his decision, Trump emphasized his aim to increase domestic fossil fuel production. Scientists warn that this move could dangerously accelerate global warming, making large parts of the planet unlivable and leading to more climate-triggered disasters, such as the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.

Until Trump's latest decision, Iran, Libya, and Yemen were the only countries not part of the Paris agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5C (2.7F) above pre-industrial levels to mitigate severe climate impacts. Now, the US joins this small group of nations outside the accord.

"I'm immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off," Trump declared, asserting that "the United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity." Notably, China has expressed "concern" over Trump's decision.

During the previous Biden administration, which concluded on Monday, Washington and Beijing engaged in several rounds of bilateral talks with special climate envoys to align with UN goals on carbon emissions. Trump's withdrawal reflects his broader energy and climate policies, which have consistently prioritized fossil fuel development.