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Paris climate agreement: world reacts as Trump pulls out of global accord – live Paris climate agreement: world reacts as Trump pulls out of global accord – live
(35 minutes later)
11.14pm BST
23:14
Sam Levin in San Francisco on the blog now, taking over for Tom McCarthy.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who insists he is not running for president, despite persistent rumors, has offered his criticisms of Trump’s announcement:
Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement is bad for the environment, bad for the economy, and it puts our children’s future at risk.
For our part, we’ve committed that every new data center we build will be powered by 100% renewable energy.
Stopping climate change is something we can only do as a global community, and we have to act together before it’s too late.
11.02pm BST
23:02
Macron: Trump made a 'mistake'
Here’s Macron, speaking in English.
“I do respect this decision, but I do think it is an actual mistake both for the US and for our planet. I just said President Trump in a few words a few minutes ago this assessment.
“Tonight I wish to tell the United States, France believes in you. The world believes in you...”
Statement on the US' withdrawal from the Paris climate agreements. #parisagreementhttps://t.co/T4XOjWZW0Q
Updated
at 11.06pm BST
10.45pm BST10.45pm BST
22:4522:45
The view from AustraliaThe view from Australia
Gabrielle ChanGabrielle Chan
The Turnbull government has recommitted to Australia’s emissions targets in the Paris Agreement after Donald Trump’s withdrawal but faces internal division as conservative MPs celebrated the decision.The Turnbull government has recommitted to Australia’s emissions targets in the Paris Agreement after Donald Trump’s withdrawal but faces internal division as conservative MPs celebrated the decision.
Energy and environment minister Josh Frydenberg said he was disappointed with Trump’s decision but reiterated the Turnbull government’s full commitment to the Paris Accord.Energy and environment minister Josh Frydenberg said he was disappointed with Trump’s decision but reiterated the Turnbull government’s full commitment to the Paris Accord.
“We reiterate our full commitment to the Paris Accord,” Frydenberg told the ABC. “We believe that the targets we agreed to, the 26% to 28% reduction in emissions by 2030 on 2005 levels are reasonable, are achievable.“We reiterate our full commitment to the Paris Accord,” Frydenberg told the ABC. “We believe that the targets we agreed to, the 26% to 28% reduction in emissions by 2030 on 2005 levels are reasonable, are achievable.
“I do believe that it is still a very meaningful agreement. You have more than 190 countries that signed on and in record time, 146 countries have ratified. So even without the US, around 70% of the world’s emissions are covered by that agreement.”“I do believe that it is still a very meaningful agreement. You have more than 190 countries that signed on and in record time, 146 countries have ratified. So even without the US, around 70% of the world’s emissions are covered by that agreement.”
But Liberal MP and chair of the backbench environment committee, Craig Kelly, who was at the forefront of the campaign which forced Frydenberg to rule out any form of carbon trading, had “champagne on ice” waiting for the US withdrawal.But Liberal MP and chair of the backbench environment committee, Craig Kelly, who was at the forefront of the campaign which forced Frydenberg to rule out any form of carbon trading, had “champagne on ice” waiting for the US withdrawal.
Early on Friday morning, he posted “THEY’RE OUT”, welcoming the decision with a video of Whitney Houston singing the Star Spangled Banner.Early on Friday morning, he posted “THEY’RE OUT”, welcoming the decision with a video of Whitney Houston singing the Star Spangled Banner.
“There is a more efficient way to generate energy than using fossil fuels, it’s just that mankind hasn’t yet worked it out,” Kelly said.“There is a more efficient way to generate energy than using fossil fuels, it’s just that mankind hasn’t yet worked it out,” Kelly said.
“But if our history tells us anything, we are more likely to discover that new technology by combining free market capitalism with the wealth created by fossil fuels - than we are through central planning and government imposed regulations that destroy wealth.”“But if our history tells us anything, we are more likely to discover that new technology by combining free market capitalism with the wealth created by fossil fuels - than we are through central planning and government imposed regulations that destroy wealth.”
10.21pm BST10.21pm BST
22:2122:21
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
Angela Merkel called Donald Trump immediately after he delivered his announcement, expressing her regret during a phone call at his decision, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Twitter.Angela Merkel called Donald Trump immediately after he delivered his announcement, expressing her regret during a phone call at his decision, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Twitter.
During the conversation she stressed that Germany would stick to the agreement.During the conversation she stressed that Germany would stick to the agreement.
He added in another tweet in English: “Chancellor Merkel disappointed w/Pres. Trump’s decision. Now more than ever we will work for global policies that save our planet,” he wrote.He added in another tweet in English: “Chancellor Merkel disappointed w/Pres. Trump’s decision. Now more than ever we will work for global policies that save our planet,” he wrote.
According to Seibert immediately after her call to Trump, Merkel telephoned with France’s president Emmanuel Macron, he said, and they were in agreement that “Germany and France will grasp at new initiatives in order to ensure the climate agreement is a success”.According to Seibert immediately after her call to Trump, Merkel telephoned with France’s president Emmanuel Macron, he said, and they were in agreement that “Germany and France will grasp at new initiatives in order to ensure the climate agreement is a success”.
In a further tweet, he added that Germany, France and Italy were in agreement that the Paris agreement should not be renegotiated as it was of “vital importance for our planet”.In a further tweet, he added that Germany, France and Italy were in agreement that the Paris agreement should not be renegotiated as it was of “vital importance for our planet”.
10.11pm BST10.11pm BST
22:1122:11
French president to speak liveFrench president to speak live
New French president Emmanuel Macron isn’t going to bed until he’s had his say about Trump’s withdrawal, apparently. He was to have started speaking 10 minutes ago, we’ll report what we hear.New French president Emmanuel Macron isn’t going to bed until he’s had his say about Trump’s withdrawal, apparently. He was to have started speaking 10 minutes ago, we’ll report what we hear.
Je m'exprimerai en direct à 23h à propos de la décision du Président Trump de retirer les États-Unis des accords de Paris sur le climat.Je m'exprimerai en direct à 23h à propos de la décision du Président Trump de retirer les États-Unis des accords de Paris sur le climat.
10.07pm BST10.07pm BST
22:0722:07
Reaction from We Rate Dogs:Reaction from We Rate Dogs:
The We Rate Dogs account has HAD it. pic.twitter.com/o7m78pqfx4The We Rate Dogs account has HAD it. pic.twitter.com/o7m78pqfx4
10.03pm BST10.03pm BST
22:0322:03
Reaction, cont'dReaction, cont'd
House minority leader Nancy Pelosi: “abandoning America’s leadership”:House minority leader Nancy Pelosi: “abandoning America’s leadership”:
Pulling out of the Paris Accord defies the overwhelming support for action from credible scientists, the governments of 194 different countries and many religious groups. Faith leaders from Pope Francis to the evangelical community have urged us to act to preserve the beauty of God’s creation.Pulling out of the Paris Accord defies the overwhelming support for action from credible scientists, the governments of 194 different countries and many religious groups. Faith leaders from Pope Francis to the evangelical community have urged us to act to preserve the beauty of God’s creation.
“By walking away from this pact, President Trump is abandoning America’s leadership position in the fight against the climate crisis and is sending a strong message to the rest of the world to create, design and manufacture clean energy solutions and create jobs elsewhere. If President Trump wants nations like China and India to take stronger and swifter action on climate, then he should do so through the accountability and enforcement provisions in the Paris Agreement, not by breaking our word and storming out of the room.“By walking away from this pact, President Trump is abandoning America’s leadership position in the fight against the climate crisis and is sending a strong message to the rest of the world to create, design and manufacture clean energy solutions and create jobs elsewhere. If President Trump wants nations like China and India to take stronger and swifter action on climate, then he should do so through the accountability and enforcement provisions in the Paris Agreement, not by breaking our word and storming out of the room.
10.01pm BST10.01pm BST
22:0122:01
The view from RussiaThe view from Russia
Alec LuhnAlec Luhn
Trump’s withdrawal announcement came in the late evening in Russia, and official commentary was not immediately available. But Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Thursday that Russia “attaches great importance” to the Paris climate accord, and a US withdrawal could complicate the agreement’s implementation.Trump’s withdrawal announcement came in the late evening in Russia, and official commentary was not immediately available. But Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Thursday that Russia “attaches great importance” to the Paris climate accord, and a US withdrawal could complicate the agreement’s implementation.
“Of course, the effectiveness and realisation of this convention will be hampered without key participants,” Peskov told journalists. “There is no alternative (to the accord) at this time.”“Of course, the effectiveness and realisation of this convention will be hampered without key participants,” Peskov told journalists. “There is no alternative (to the accord) at this time.”
The Russian television station Ren TV warned that climate change “could turn into a real catastrophe” after the US withdrawal.The Russian television station Ren TV warned that climate change “could turn into a real catastrophe” after the US withdrawal.
In a statement last year, the foreign ministry said Moscow signing the Paris accord “reaffirms Russia’s commitment to the joint objectives of the international community in global warming”.In a statement last year, the foreign ministry said Moscow signing the Paris accord “reaffirms Russia’s commitment to the joint objectives of the international community in global warming”.
But in the past, climate change has often been seen as beneficial for Russia, which has been rushing to develop military bases, shipping routes and oil and gas fields in the Arctic as the region warms. Even though climate change has exacerbated forest fires and thawed permafrost in Russia, according to scientists, the issue has not been widely covered by state media here.But in the past, climate change has often been seen as beneficial for Russia, which has been rushing to develop military bases, shipping routes and oil and gas fields in the Arctic as the region warms. Even though climate change has exacerbated forest fires and thawed permafrost in Russia, according to scientists, the issue has not been widely covered by state media here.
Putin, who once joked that Russians would spend less on fur coats, said at an Arctic forum in March that climate change would “continue anyway and anyhow” and skeptics “may not be at all silly”.Putin, who once joked that Russians would spend less on fur coats, said at an Arctic forum in March that climate change would “continue anyway and anyhow” and skeptics “may not be at all silly”.
“Climate change brings in more favorable conditions and improves the economic potential of this region,” Putin said.“Climate change brings in more favorable conditions and improves the economic potential of this region,” Putin said.
10.00pm BST10.00pm BST
22:0022:00
Astronaut Scott Kelly:Astronaut Scott Kelly:
Withdrawing from the #ParisAgreement will be devastating to our planet. Paris and Pittsburgh share the same environment after all. pic.twitter.com/QNO5vHtmEFWithdrawing from the #ParisAgreement will be devastating to our planet. Paris and Pittsburgh share the same environment after all. pic.twitter.com/QNO5vHtmEF
9.56pm BST9.56pm BST
21:5621:56
Obama’s official photographer:Obama’s official photographer:
Pete Souza on the #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/iVKmQeq4UjPete Souza on the #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/iVKmQeq4Uj
9.53pm BST9.53pm BST
21:5321:53
9.50pm BST9.50pm BST
21:5021:50
Florida Representative Charlie Crist: ‘heartbroken’Florida Representative Charlie Crist: ‘heartbroken’
I am heartbroken by this decision. Actively deciding to not protect our environment? Shameful. https://t.co/iUpezt0lspI am heartbroken by this decision. Actively deciding to not protect our environment? Shameful. https://t.co/iUpezt0lsp
9.50pm BST9.50pm BST
21:5021:50
Europe says no 'renegotiation' of Paris dealEurope says no 'renegotiation' of Paris deal
It looks like Trump’s plan to “renegotiate” the Paris deal may be a clown plan:It looks like Trump’s plan to “renegotiate” the Paris deal may be a clown plan:
BREAKING: France, Germany, Italy issue joint statement saying Paris climate accord can't be renegotiated.BREAKING: France, Germany, Italy issue joint statement saying Paris climate accord can't be renegotiated.
9.38pm BST9.38pm BST
21:3821:38
Merkel 'regrets' Trump moveMerkel 'regrets' Trump move
BREAKING: German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she regrets US climate move, will keep working to 'save our Earth.'BREAKING: German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she regrets US climate move, will keep working to 'save our Earth.'
9.34pm BST9.34pm BST
21:3421:34
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
The Berliner Kurier has a hot front page for Friday:The Berliner Kurier has a hot front page for Friday:
La Une du @BERLINER_KURIER demain : La Terre à #Trump : FUCK YOU! 🌎🖕🏻 #AccorddeParis #climat #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/ZWUIYOhmSDLa Une du @BERLINER_KURIER demain : La Terre à #Trump : FUCK YOU! 🌎🖕🏻 #AccorddeParis #climat #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/ZWUIYOhmSD
“One of the most important contracts in the history of humanity saw 195 countries committing in 2015 to save the planet for our children. But now the man in the White House is putting the project at risk. Is he a danger for us all?” the paper asks in an editorial.Martin Schulz, leader of the Social Democrats and the party’scandidate for September’s elections tweeted: “You can withdraw from a climate agreement but not from climate change, Mr Trump. Reality isn’t just another statesman you shove away”.The opposition Green Party tweeted: “Trump leaves the Paris agreement. A hard defeat for climate protection. All the more decisively will we now fight for our planets.”Cem Özdemir, joint leader of the Greens tweeted: “Trump doesn’t know what he’s doing. We do!”, and went on to promote a joint climate union between the EU and US states and cities. “Let’s work on climate protection”, he said.But German climate experts were generally of the opinion that whether Trump’s government was in or out of the Paris agreement, the effect would be the same.“In any case the members of this government are for personal andpolitical reasons not interested in making laws to protect the environment - of whatever kind - which they see as getting in the way of doing business,” said Matthias Ruth, a German professor at the Northeastern University in Boston.Lukas Hermwille, scientific researcher in the field of internationalclimate policy at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, drew attention to the fact that the exit from the agreement would anyway only come into effect in around three years’ time “ironically,” he told Die Welt, “on the day after the next US presidential election”. But Trump could still spend the rest of his time in office torpedoing climate protection from the inside out, he added.“One of the most important contracts in the history of humanity saw 195 countries committing in 2015 to save the planet for our children. But now the man in the White House is putting the project at risk. Is he a danger for us all?” the paper asks in an editorial.Martin Schulz, leader of the Social Democrats and the party’scandidate for September’s elections tweeted: “You can withdraw from a climate agreement but not from climate change, Mr Trump. Reality isn’t just another statesman you shove away”.The opposition Green Party tweeted: “Trump leaves the Paris agreement. A hard defeat for climate protection. All the more decisively will we now fight for our planets.”Cem Özdemir, joint leader of the Greens tweeted: “Trump doesn’t know what he’s doing. We do!”, and went on to promote a joint climate union between the EU and US states and cities. “Let’s work on climate protection”, he said.But German climate experts were generally of the opinion that whether Trump’s government was in or out of the Paris agreement, the effect would be the same.“In any case the members of this government are for personal andpolitical reasons not interested in making laws to protect the environment - of whatever kind - which they see as getting in the way of doing business,” said Matthias Ruth, a German professor at the Northeastern University in Boston.Lukas Hermwille, scientific researcher in the field of internationalclimate policy at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, drew attention to the fact that the exit from the agreement would anyway only come into effect in around three years’ time “ironically,” he told Die Welt, “on the day after the next US presidential election”. But Trump could still spend the rest of his time in office torpedoing climate protection from the inside out, he added.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.37pm BSTat 9.37pm BST
9.28pm BST9.28pm BST
21:2821:28
Pittsburgh rejects Trump embracePittsburgh rejects Trump embrace
“I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris,” Trump said.“I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris,” Trump said.
The line has ticked off a lot of Pittsburghers.The line has ticked off a lot of Pittsburghers.
More than 56 percent of voters in Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, voted for Hillary Clinton: https://t.co/2VjOB9hf3pMore than 56 percent of voters in Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, voted for Hillary Clinton: https://t.co/2VjOB9hf3p
As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy & future. https://t.co/3znXGTcd8CAs the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy & future. https://t.co/3znXGTcd8C
Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80% of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world & will follow Paris Agreement @HillaryClinton https://t.co/cibJyT7MAKFact: Hillary Clinton received 80% of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world & will follow Paris Agreement @HillaryClinton https://t.co/cibJyT7MAK
Pittsburgh is one of the greenest cities in America. Miss us. https://t.co/l3SpxQUbgvPittsburgh is one of the greenest cities in America. Miss us. https://t.co/l3SpxQUbgv
Trump lost Pittsburgh. And he won in Paris, Maine; Paris, Tenn; Paris, Ark.; Paris, Idaho; Paris, Missouri; Paris, Penn.; Paris, Texas.Trump lost Pittsburgh. And he won in Paris, Maine; Paris, Tenn; Paris, Ark.; Paris, Idaho; Paris, Missouri; Paris, Penn.; Paris, Texas.
Trump says he's doing this for Pittsburgh? Here's what the Post-Gazette's editorial board says about Paris: pic.twitter.com/hwvyTWKuLLTrump says he's doing this for Pittsburgh? Here's what the Post-Gazette's editorial board says about Paris: pic.twitter.com/hwvyTWKuLL
9.16pm BST9.16pm BST
21:1621:16
The Weather Channel responds:The Weather Channel responds:
Holy shit, The Weather Channel is NOT fucking around! pic.twitter.com/izow7eNAwHHoly shit, The Weather Channel is NOT fucking around! pic.twitter.com/izow7eNAwH
9.13pm BST9.13pm BST
21:1321:13
Reactions, cont'dReactions, cont'd
Here’s the CEO of General Electric:Here’s the CEO of General Electric:
Disappointed with today’s decision on the Paris Agreement. Climate change is real. Industry must now lead and not depend on government.Disappointed with today’s decision on the Paris Agreement. Climate change is real. Industry must now lead and not depend on government.
Democratic Pennsylvania senator Casey:Democratic Pennsylvania senator Casey:
Earlier this year I held a town hall in Pittsburgh & the residents in attendance called for action on climate change. Cc: @realDonaldTrumpEarlier this year I held a town hall in Pittsburgh & the residents in attendance called for action on climate change. Cc: @realDonaldTrump
Elon Musk:Elon Musk:
Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.
Republican senator Graham:Republican senator Graham:
I support President Trump’s desire to re-enter the Paris Accord after the agreement becomes a better deal for America and business.I support President Trump’s desire to re-enter the Paris Accord after the agreement becomes a better deal for America and business.
The mayor of Pittsburgh:The mayor of Pittsburgh:
The United States joins Syria, Nicaragua & Russia in deciding not to participate with world's Paris Agreement. It's now up to cities to leadThe United States joins Syria, Nicaragua & Russia in deciding not to participate with world's Paris Agreement. It's now up to cities to lead
If you're still talking about Pittsburgh as a gritty old steel town, just know that you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.If you're still talking about Pittsburgh as a gritty old steel town, just know that you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.
The Rose Garden band pic.twitter.com/QMZac0TH4DThe Rose Garden band pic.twitter.com/QMZac0TH4D
9.06pm BST9.06pm BST
21:0621:06
Here’s Guardian US environment reporter Oliver Milman:Here’s Guardian US environment reporter Oliver Milman:
A reminder that Paris took around 20 years of proceeding work, is voluntary and had nearly 200 countries on boardA reminder that Paris took around 20 years of proceeding work, is voluntary and had nearly 200 countries on board
This is prob the US' worst self inflicted wound of modern times, it harms environmental, economic and diplomatic standing for years to comeThis is prob the US' worst self inflicted wound of modern times, it harms environmental, economic and diplomatic standing for years to come
A future president can reverse this but America’s standing in the world will take a while to recover. Those renewable jobs will go OS & emissions cuts will slow at a time when they must accelerate if we are to avoid the worst in sea level rise, heatwaves, loss of reefs etcA future president can reverse this but America’s standing in the world will take a while to recover. Those renewable jobs will go OS & emissions cuts will slow at a time when they must accelerate if we are to avoid the worst in sea level rise, heatwaves, loss of reefs etc
In terms of profound consequence Trump won't do anything as severe as this in his presidency. Let's please remember that during next scandalIn terms of profound consequence Trump won't do anything as severe as this in his presidency. Let's please remember that during next scandal