USA climate retreat a ‘global setback’: China media

“By abandoning our pledge, the president is lining up with Syria and Nicaragua, the only nations in the world that have refused to sign the agreement”.

But Mr. Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris pact wasn’t entirely without support.

A “Global Trends” report prepared by the US Director of National Intelligence’s office, released on January 9, warned that climate change posed security risks because of extreme weather, stress on water and food, and global tensions over how to manage the changes.

Chief executive Odd Arild Grefstad cited the growth of renewable energy in US states such as Texas, New York and California as signs that “the world has started the transition from fossil to a renewable economy”. “The cost, however, for withdrawal would be considerable – great harm to US diplomacy, trade and the global environment”.

“This is a responsibility shouldered by China as a responsible major country and what China’s development calls for”, she said.

When Tesla starting accepting deposits for its Solar Roof in May, Musk reiterated his belief that the world is moving toward that widespread use of green power.

“Governments around the world must see the US for what it is – a puppet of the fossil fuel industry”. Trump declared Thursday he was pulling the U.

May told Trump the United Kingdom “remained committed” to the Paris deal and “expressed her disappointment” at the US’ move.

Even potential USA partners reached out across the Pacific.

The White House says the Paris accord would “effectively decapitate” the American coal industry. Eric Abetz, senator from Australia – a country that relies on coal for around three-quarters of its electricity – had the following to say shortly after Trump’s address: But back to Trump, and these few lines sum up the president’s longstanding strategy perfectly: China will be allowed to build hundreds of additional coal plants. Earlier this year, Xi made a high-profile speech in Davos, Switzerland, embracing at least the idea of an economic globalization that Western leaders like Trump are increasingly fleeing. While Kyoto worked in 1997 for the 37 developed countries and the European Union states that signed it, a different approach was needed for the more complex Paris deal in 2015.

Democrats also blasted Trump.

On climate, Beijing is taking action. Coal production fell over the past several years, with a slowing economy as one factor.

China’s willingness is largely driven by domestic imperatives: growing popular dismay about air pollution, deteriorating water quality, and soil contamination from runaway industrialization.

China already accounts for more than one-third of global wind energy capacity.

“Climate change is real”, tweeted Jeff Immelt, chief executive of GE.

China and the U.S. are responsible for some 40 percent of the world’s emissions and experts had warned it was vital for both to remain in the Paris agreement if it is to succeed.

In a nationwide broadcast, Trump announced: “to fulfil my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord but begin negotiations to re-enter our way into Paris Accord”.

The re-emergence, however, has spooked neighbors as China wields growing economic and military clout.

Some of the biggest names in business world also weighed in. China is finding willing partners not just in the developing world, but also in the West.

The joint statement, the first between the China and the European Union, will commit to cutting back on fossil fuels, developing more green technology and helping raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer countries cut their emissions.

“In following through on his promise, President Trump is supporting America’s uncompromising values, saving coal jobs, and promoting low-priced, reliable electricity for Americans and the rest of the World”, chief executive Robert Murray said in a statement. They can continue to demand from their leaders and lead themselves.