Macron to Advocate for Climate Action in Talks with Argentina’s President Milei

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Argentine President Javier Milei to discuss climate change and multilateralism amidst Milei’s recent withdrawal from COP29 talks, casting doubt on Argentina’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. Macron’s ability to persuade Milei will test his political influence in Latin America, while discussions will also cover France’s opposition to an EU trade deal with South America.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to emphasize the significance of global climate action during his discussions on Saturday with Argentine President Javier Milei, who has recently expressed skepticism towards climate initiatives by withdrawing Argentina from the COP29 climate talks. This decision has raised concerns regarding Argentina’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, a pact Milei appears ready to abandon, reminiscent of former President Trump’s earlier withdrawal. Macron, a strong advocate for multilateralism, aims to persuade Milei to maintain Argentina’s support for international consensus on climate challenges, according to aides. Following his arrival in Buenos Aires, Macron will engage in a dinner meeting with Milei before formal negotiations begin on Sunday, before both leaders head to the G20 summit commencing on Monday in Rio de Janeiro. Oscar Soria, a prominent Argentine climate activist, assessed that Macron’s ability to influence Milei on climate policy will be indicative of his current political influence in Latin America. Soria articulated the risk of a potential domino effect if Argentina, under Milei, were to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, encouraging similar actions from other South American nations. Despite Macron’s previous unsuccessful attempts to retain Trump’s engagement with the Paris Agreement in 2017, and his confrontations with Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro concerning Amazon deforestation, his efforts remain crucial in the face of shifting political dynamics. Macron’s authority has been challenged domestically following a loss of parliamentary majority this past July. In addition to climate discussions, Macron plans to address France’s concerns regarding a prospective trade agreement proposed by the European Union with Brazil and Argentina, a deal that has been under negotiation for over two decades. European farmers are apprehensive that such a pact would result in increased competition from cheaper agricultural imports. Following his engagements in Argentina and the G20 summit, Macron will also travel to Chile.

The meeting between President Macron and President Milei situates itself within a broader context of international climate diplomacy. Macron is renowned for his staunch commitment to environmental issues and has played a significant role in promoting multilateral discussions surrounding climate action, particularly through the Paris Agreement established in 2015. Conversely, President Milei’s administration represents a shift toward climate skepticism in Argentina’s political landscape, paralleling similar sentiments from previous U.S. leadership under Trump which emphasized withdrawal from international environmental agreements. This tension illustrates the challenges facing global efforts to combat climate change, especially when countries opt to prioritize short-term economic incentives over long-term environmental commitments.

In summary, President Macron’s impending talks with President Milei serve as a critical juncture for climate advocacy in Argentina and beyond. Macron’s efforts to impress upon Milei the necessity of maintaining engagement with the Paris Agreement and combating climate change underscore the ongoing tension between national interests and global responsibility. The outcomes of these discussions may not only influence Argentina’s environmental policies but could also signal a broader trend among South American nations concerning international climate cooperation.

Original Source: www.fox28spokane.com