Trump’s climate exit: Why Asean must lead the way

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is a setback for global climate action, but it need not derail Asean ‘s progress.

THE United States has once again distanced itself from global climate action.

President Donald Trump’s executive order to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time has sent shockwaves through the international community, placing Asean at a pivotal crossroads. For Malaysia and its South-East Asian neighbours, this isn’t just distant political theatre – it’s a clarion call for decisive regional leadership in addressing mounting climate challenges.