Trump abandoning global climate deal

PRESIDENT Donald Trump declared yesterday he was pulling the US from the landmark Paris climate agreement, striking a major blow to worldwide efforts to combat global warming and distancing the country from its allies abroad.

Framing his decision as “a reassertion of America’s sovereignty,” Mr Trump said he was “elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris”.

He said the US could try to re-enter the deal under more favourable terms or work to establish “an entirely new transaction”. But he indicated that was hardly a priority. “If we can, great. If we can’t, that’s fine,” he said.

Scientists say Earth is likely to reach more dangerous levels of warming sooner as a result of the president’s decision because America’s pollution con- tributes so much to rising temperatures.

Calculations suggest withdrawal could result in emissions of up to 3 billion tonnes of additional carbon dioxide a year – enough to melt ice sheets faster, raise seas higher and trigger more extreme weather.

By abandoning the world’s chief effort to slow the tide of planetary warming, Mr Trump was fulfilling a top campaign pledge after weeks of building up suspense over his decision.

The White House indicated it would follow the lengthy exit process outlined in the deal.

That means the US would remain in the agreement, at least formally, for another three-and-a-half years, ensuring the issue remains alive in the next presidential election.

But, Mr Trump declared, emphasising every word: “As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the nonbinding Paris accord.”

He is breaking from many of America’s staunchest allies, who have expressed alarm about the decision.

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy joined to “note with regret” the Trump decision and express doubts about any change in the accord.