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US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will exit the Paris climate agreement in what is a massive blow to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Trump said he would be willing to re-enter the deal if he was able to score better terms for the US.
“I am fighting every day for the great people of this country. Therefore, in order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord,” Trump said during a speech.
“We’re getting out, but we will start to negotiate and we’ll see if we can make a deal that’s fair. If we can, that’s great. If we can’t, that’s fine.”
The decision has been met with disapproval and disappointment by many world leaders who criticised the decision.
One of those to voice their objections was former US President Barack Obama who released a statement shortly after the announcement.
Although, Obama did not mention Trump by name in his statement, there’s no doubting who the barbs in the statement are aimed towards.
Obama, who has remained relatively quiet on Trump’s governance until now, only speaking out in certain instances, made reference to an absence of American leadership in the statement.
“The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created,” Obama said.
“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.”
Statement from Barack Obama on the Paris Climate Agreement pic.twitter.com/SQc6kQV0Ah
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) June 1, 2017
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