World leaders react to Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. from the Paris Agreement deal
Trump’s decision to pull the country out of the Paris climate accord set off alarm bells worldwide, drawing swift condemnation from foreign leaders.
Showing a unified front, the leaders of France, Germany and Italy banded together — issuing a joint statement voicing “regret” about Trump’s move, promising to redouble their efforts to implement the Paris Agreement and asserting that it can’t be renegotiated.
“I do respect this sovereign decision but I regret it and I consider that he made an error for the interests of his country and his people and a mistake for the future of our planet. In no case will we renegotiate a less ambitious agreement.” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also slammed Trump’s decision as “seriously wrong
Echoing this sentiment was the EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, who pledged continued “global leadership” on climate change
In Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed “regret” at the decision, and called for a continuation of “climate policies which preserve our world
While in London, British Prime Minister Theresa May told Trump during a phone call that the climate accord was a safety net for future generations
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he regrets Trump’s decision, saying that addressing climate change is not only necessary, but also offers global economic opportunities
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General said the US move is a “major disappointments
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that the US decision is disheartening, and pledged to work with the world to combat climate change
Trump delivered his decision in phone calls with leaders from Germany, France, Canada and Britain, saying that the US is still committed to – in his own words – “robust efforts to protect the environment.”
Citing a litany of statistics, Trump argued that the pact would hurt domestic manufacturing and other industries … and would put the US at a disadvantage with China, India and other rising powers.
However, under the agreement, the US’ withdrawal from the accord cannot actually be finalized until near the end of Trump’s term
The political commissar of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF, Saviour Kasukuwere, also condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision on Twitter;
US~Paris Climate Deal reversal : This is sad and regrettable . Poor nations will bear the brunt of climate change . Sad day .Withdraw!!
— Saviour Kasukuwere (@Hon_Kasukuwere) June 1, 2017
