When Donald Trump was elected U.S. president a year ago, some said the end of the Paris climate agreement was nigh. Yet, as the latest round of global climate talks in Bonn, Germany, has shown, the world's political leaders are more committed to the deal than ever. This is good news, but the fact remains that countries' commitments do not yet add up to enough to turn the tide — and our window of opportunity to act effectively on climate change is rapidly closing.
Trump's decision to withdraw the United States — the world's largest historical carbon dioxide emitter — from the Paris agreement dealt the accord a major blow. Many of America's closest allies — including both of our countries, the Marshall Islands and Australia — were deeply disappointed by the move, which was shortsighted, for both America and the world.
But it is hard not to take heart from the fresh wave of global resolve Trump's decision has unleashed, both globally and within the U.S. itself. Almost every major U.S. state, city and company has now pledged to do more to ensure that their country can meet its commitments, despite the Trump administration's opposition.