Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations (2007–2016), takes a moment to talk with Aroop Mukharji (@aroopmukharji) about Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, how to become UN Secretary-General, and his favorite meals in New England.

Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations (2007–2016), takes a moment to talk with Aroop Mukharji (@aroopmukharji) about Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, how to become UN Secretary-General, and his favorite meals in New England.

It was reported that today there would be a meeting in the White House where the President's key advisers will discuss whether the United States should remain a party to the Paris climate agreement. With this in mind, the authors reflect in this essay on the history of international climate negotiations, observe why this is a pivotal moment, and explain why they think that the United States should remain in the Paris agreement.

The authors break down the reasons for the United States to stay in the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing that the benefits far outweigh any potential costs. The Agreement gives the United States a seat at the table, and the ability to influence international policy on climate change, showing that the United States is open and willing to cooperate.

In a conversation with Professor Nicholas Burns, Ban Ki-Moon, who served as UN Secretary-General from 2007 to December 2016, touches upon his transition from the diplomatic to the academic world, UN efforts to confront climate change under his leadership, and reconciling political realities with the achievement of long-term, global aims.

Considering the diverse set of considerations that should bear upon this US decision, the authors find the arguments for the country remaining in the Paris climate agreement to be both multifaceted and compelling.