Nations reaffirm support for global climate deal after Trump win

The rules to implement the Paris climate deal will be framed in such a way that it can take care of transparency of action of all countries as per their respective pledges under the Agreement which was adopted by 195 countries in December past year. Several times he has stated that he will do everything he can to destroy Obama’s legacy, including ripping the Paris agreement.

Almost 200 nations have reaffirmed their political commitment to a global climate momentum that they say is “urgent” and “irreversible” at the UN climate talks that were mostly overshadowed by US President-elect Donald Trump’s comments to cut off funding to climate change programmes.

However, many major corporations consider climate change to be a more urgent peril.

“It’s rare that so many heads of state unite to make a public declaration on any policy subject”, said Mohammed Adow from campaign group Christian Aid.

But Trump has vowed to boost oil, gas and coal and “cancel” the Paris Agreement. Faced with the magnitude of what is required for dealing with the impacts of climate change, turning billions into trillions is indispensable.

The lower threshold was introduced on demand from vulnerable countries such as low-lying island nations who fear they will be washed away by rising seas as global warming melts glaciers and ice sheets. Paris requires commitments by all.

Worse, a USA withdrawal would leave the cause without billions of dollars of finance for developing countries to make the shift to clean energy or the means to shore up defences against climate change impacts that can no longer be avoided. As Minister Liu pointed out, that agreement is the result of decades of negotiations.

“Now we are facing with a possible withdrawal of funding from the United States under Donald Trump’s presidency”. The hard anti-climate talk may soften after the new President is inaugurated, however current indications are of concern.

Ban was speaking at the U.N.’s climate change summit in Morocco, among leaders of countries and businesses. They are hopeful that Trump will not be able to reverse the progress as the Paris Agreement has already taken effect.

The target could be achieved only if the three biggest emitters – US, India and China – shift to renewable sources of energy for reducing their emissions. “We can not afford to lose the momentum”. Pacific countries have established some of the world’s largest marine protected areas to safeguard our planet.

The final text also urged rich nations to keep building towards a goal of providing $100 billion a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2020.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) hosted the global meeting that brings together the Conference of Parties (CoP) designated as the supreme governing body of the Convention.

Kerry said climate change shouldn’t be a partisan issue and noted that military and intelligence leaders have recognized its potential as a “threat-multiplier”. To view the entire series, visit here.