Trump turning back on climate accord

US president seeks counsel on future of Paris agreement

WASHINGTON // President Donald Trump is expected to withdraw the United States from a landmark global climate agreement, a White House official said yesterday, although he and his aides had not made a final decision.

Leaving the Paris deal would fulfil a campaign pledge, but would anger international allies that spent years in negotiations to produce an agreement to reduce carbon emissions. Mr Trump faced pressure to stick to the deal during his meetings last week with European leaders and Pope Francis, but his staff are now said to be finalising details of a pullout.

“I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days.” Mr Trump tweeted yesterday.

While he favours an exit, he is known to seek counsel from a range of advisers – both within and outside government and often with differing views – right up until the last minute before making his mind up.

Nearly 200 nations, including the US under Barack Obama’s administration, agreed in 2015 to voluntarily reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. Withdrawal would leave the US aligned only with Russia among industrialised economies in rejecting such action. The European Union was not warned about a possible US withdrawal, but Europe and China said they remained committed.

News of Mr Trump’s decision drew reaction from the United Nations, with secretary-general Antonio Guterres tweeting, “Climate change is undeniable. Climate change is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable.”