The Argentine government, led by libertarian President Javier Milei, is considering withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. If finalized, Argentina would become only the second nation to leave the landmark global accord on climate change, following the United States’ withdrawal under former President Donald Trump.
Insiders have revealed that senior officials in Milei’s administration are reviewing an internal proposal recommending Argentina’s exit from the agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries in 2015. The agreement aims to limit global temperature increases to well below 2°C and ideally to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The decision, which ultimately rests with President Milei, could signal a significant shift in Argentina’s environmental policies.
The proposal comes amid a broader reevaluation of Argentina’s international environmental commitments. Last year, the government withdrew its delegation from the COP29 climate summit, raising concerns about its stance on global climate cooperation.
Impact on Global Climate Efforts
A potential withdrawal by Argentina could deliver a major blow to international climate efforts. Environmental advocates warn that such a move would undermine global cooperation at a critical time when record-breaking temperatures and rising greenhouse gas emissions are pushing the world further off track from the Paris accord’s goals.
“This would be a devastating signal,” said one Argentine diplomat, who described the internal pushback from civil servants and technical experts attempting to dissuade Milei’s administration from following through on the proposal.
Critics argue that leaving the agreement could also harm Argentina’s economic and diplomatic interests. The recently finalized EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, contains provisions allowing the suspension of trade benefits if a member exits the Paris accord. Additionally, Argentina’s ambitions to join the OECD—a group that promotes environmental standards among its members—could face new obstacles.
Milei’s Criticism of Environmentalism
President Milei, who denies human responsibility for climate change, has been an outspoken critic of what he calls “fanatical environmentalism.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Milei condemned global environmental movements, describing them as “wokeism” that prioritizes nature over economic growth and human well-being.
“Wokeism has perverted the basic idea of preserving the environment for the enjoyment of human beings,” Milei said. “It has turned into a movement that sees humans as a cancer on the planet.”
Potential Consequences for Argentina
Environmental experts and diplomats have warned of far-reaching consequences for Argentina if it exits the Paris accord. The country risks losing access to climate-linked international funding, which has provided billions of dollars for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. Argentina could also face exclusion from global carbon markets, further isolating its economy.
“This is not just about climate; it’s about Argentina’s place in the world,” said an unnamed diplomat. “The technical staff in the ministry are trying to explain that while Trump could pull out of the Paris agreement with fewer consequences, Argentina faces significant risks.”
Critics of the move have also highlighted Argentina’s vulnerability to climate change, which has already impacted the country through extreme weather events, droughts, and rising temperatures.
Political and Legislative Hurdles
Exiting the Paris agreement would require congressional approval in Argentina. However, Milei’s administration has often bypassed the legislature using emergency decrees, raising concerns about the potential for unilateral decision-making on such a pivotal issue.
The debate comes as countries prepare to submit updated climate action plans next month under the Paris accord, though many nations are expected to miss the deadline.
For now, Argentina’s potential departure remains uncertain, but the discussions underscore the growing tension between global climate action and the priorities of populist and libertarian leaders like Milei, who prioritize national sovereignty and economic growth over environmental agreements.
