The United States today formally exited the Paris agreement to fight climate change.

The United States is the 2nd largest emitter of greenhouse gases. President Trump announced the withdrawal in 2017, stopping an Obama-era pledge to cut emissions by 26-28%.

Some 189 countries remain committed to the 2015 Paris accord, which aims to keep the increase in average temperatures worldwide “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), ideally no more than 1.5C (2.7 F), compared to pre-industrial levels. A further six countries have signed, but not ratified the pact.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has said he favours signing the US back up to the Paris accord if he wins the White House. Both Trump and Biden are currently locked in a tight race as of Wednesday morning to get enough votes in the Electoral College to win the election.

With the United States outside the pact, it will be harder for the rest of the world to reach the agreed goals. (With inputs from Euro News)