Recent reports[1] have signalled that the Trump administration is leaning towards withdrawing the United States from the historic accord, which was agreed by nearly 200 nations in 2015. President Trump has yet to make the final decision but an announcement is expected as early as next week.
“Australians demand a Prime Minister who will stand up for what he believes in” said Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO, David Ritter.
“When Prime Minister Turnbull announced Australia’s ratification of the Paris Agreement just six months ago he described it as ‘a turning point’ that had ‘galvanised the international community and spurred on global action’.
“If the PM is serious about his commitment to the agreement, it is essential that he takes that message to President Trump.
“Global climate action is not a legal or political debate, it’s a moral obligation to protect our planet and people. That is what almost 200 countries agreed to do in Paris and if the Trump administration plans to withdraw from the agreement, then other leaders should call the US government out and hold them to account.”
Pacific nations have also urged Australia to speak up, with Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama yesterday asking Mr Turnbull to take a strong message to Mr Trump not to pull out of the agreement[2].
“Australia should be a good neighbour to our Pacific Island neighbours. This is a great opportunity for Mr Turnbull to support the advocacy of the Fiji Government, which holds the next Presidency of the UNFCCC ” said Mr Ritter.
“The world has already resolved to act on climate, the renewable energy industry is growing exponentially, and people all over the globe are becoming part of the clean energy future.
“Trump’s isolationist stance at this critical moment in history is morally reprehensible, but his attempt to derail global progress on climate change will fail. The Paris agreement will remain in force and the transition to clean energy will continue,” said Mr Ritter.
In the Trump White House, the momentum has turned against the Paris climate agreement
Washington Post [here]
Fiji wants our help to send Trump message, news.com.au [here]
For interviews contact:
Rachael Vincent
Greenpeace Media Campaigner
0413 993 316 / rachael.vincent@greenpeace.org