Paris, or, I should not be held responsible for my actions.

So of course it is well known by now that we've pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement.  One thing that actually struck me is the amount on misinformation on the agreement, and how well Republicans have used that to their advantage.

The agreement never sets limits for us, or anyone else.  What it does is establish carbon markets, a program to assist poorer nations to develop renewable energy infrastructures by providing funding as an incentive against fossil fuel usage even when fossil fuels cost less, and a fining system for those who violate parts of the agreement.

This has been a big sticking point with some Americans.  "Why should we have to give them anything?" Because we in the United States extracted the largest material gain, by far, from two centuries of unchecked fossil fuel consumption and polluting. This is ill-gotten wealth we have obtained, and now we're going to act like we don't owe anyone anything?

We are more responsible for human-related carbon emissions throughout history than all other nations, both historical and present, combined.  By, like, a lot too.  We used to be a nation that took responsibility for our actions, and made things right when we did wrong.  But now we have Lying Traitor trump is I guess whatever.