Why Trump's withdrawal from Paris doesn't matter as much as you think

The threat of climate change is real and the consequences are far more immediate than Paris

Many reacted to President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord with understandable dismay, fearful that the U.S. is shirking its global leadership role, will fall behind in green technology and is helping usher in the worst effects of global warming.

Let’s take a collective breath and think about what withdrawal really means. After weighing many pros and cons, I believe it’s sensible to conclude it doesn’t really matter.

That’s because efforts by cities, states and companies are already underway to keep up the spirit of Paris, even if the feds won’t. We’re