Press release – 1 June, 2017Friday June 2, 2017: Greenpeace Australia Pacific has condemned US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement and affirmed that the rest of the world will continue to make progress on ambitious climate action.There are 194 other countries who are party to the pact, which will still account for 87 per cent of global carbon emissions.
“President Trump has betrayed the trust of nearly 200 nations with this reprehensible and destructive decision, but the fact is the rest of the world has already resolved to act on climate,” Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Casule, said.
“Real global leaders are taking urgent action on climate change. Other major parties to the historic Paris Agreement — including China, the EU and India — have signalled they remain firmly committed to the deal. At the very least, we expect that the rest of the nearly 200 nations will be stepping up and holding the US government to account.
“Australia must stand with them. Because global climate action is not a legal or political debate, it is a moral obligation to protect our planet and people.
“We have a responsibility to act.
“We also have a special duty to stand with our Pacific and Asian neighbours who are at the forefront of climate change and already experiencing its impacts. The disproportionate burden on these low-polluting countries is a manifest injustice.”
“The message is: President Trump, you may be willing to turn your back on climate destruction and our planet’s future, but we are not. Americans — and Australians — want to honour the Paris Agreement, cut emissions and see more action to transition to a clean energy future.
“The popular will on climate action is overwhelming, and the clean energy revolution is unstoppable. The renewable energy industry is booming, and people all over the globe are becoming part of the clean energy future. Common sense energy progress will continue with or without Donald Trump.
“Trump’s isolationist stance at this critical moment in history is morally reprehensible, and his attempt to derail global progress on climate change will fail. The Paris Agreement will stand strong, and the transition to clean energy will continue.”
For interviews contact:
Rachael Vincent, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Media Campaigner
0413 993 316 /
Simon Black, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Media Campaigner
0418 219 086 /