US Quits Paris Climate Pact, World Reacts Angrily
US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US is withdrawing from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement has drawn strong reaction from supporters and opponents inside America and around the world.
Former US President Barack Obama, who negotiated the Paris deal for the US:
“The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got.”
Elon Musk, entrepreneur and Tesla Inc CEO who had served on a White House advisory council:
“Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders, former Democratic presidential candidate:
“At this moment, when climate change is already causing devastating harm around the world, we do not have the moral right to turn our backs on efforts to preserve this planet for future generations.”
Democratic Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio
“President Trump can turn his back on the world, but the world cannot ignore the very real threat of climate change. This decision is an immoral assault on the public health, safety and security of everyone on this planet. On behalf of the people of New York City, and alongside mayors across the country, I am committing to honour the goals of the Paris agreement with an executive order in the coming days, so our city can remain a home for generations to come.”
Democratic former US Secretary of State John Kerry:
“The President who promised “America First” has taken a selfdestructive step that puts our nation last. This is an unprecedented forfeiture of American leadership which will cost us influence, cost us jobs, and invite other countries to walk away from solving humanity’s most existential crisis. It isolates the United States after we had united the world.”
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US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer:
“President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is a devastating failure of historic proportions. Future generations will look back on President Trump’s decision as one of the worst policy moves made in the 21st century because of the huge damage to our economy, our environment and our geopolitical standing.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May - a Downing Street statement:
“The Prime Minister expressed her disappointment with the decision and stressed that the UK remained committed to the Paris Agreement.
“The Paris Agreement provides the right global framework for protecting the prosperity and security of future generations, while keeping energy affordable and secure for our citizens and businesses.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (via spokesperson Stephane Dujarric):
“The decision by the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change is a major disappointment for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote global security.
“It is crucial that the United States remains a leader on environmental issues.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
“We are deeply disappointed that the United States federal government has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Canada is unwavering in our commitment to fight climate change and support clean economic growth.”
European Commission Climate Action commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete:
“Today is a sad day for the global community, as a key partner turns its back on the fight against climate change. The EU deeply regrets the unilateral decision by the Trump administration to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement.”
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris:
“No matter what decision is made by the White House, cities are honouring their responsibilities to implement the Paris Agreement. There is no alternative for the future of our planet.”
French President Emmanuel Macron:
“I tell you firmly tonight: We will not renegotiate a less ambitious accord. There is no way. Don’t be mistaken on climate; there is no plan B because there is no planet B.”
Hilda Heine, President of the under-threat Marshall Islands:
“Today’s decision is not only disappointing but also highly concerning for those of us who live on the front line of climate change. “The rest of the world remains firmly committed to the Paris Agreement and our own commitment to it, and that of our wider Pacific family, will never waiver.”