US declines to affirm international commitment to addressing climate change

The Trump administration declined to sign a joint international statement over the weekend that would have reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to addressing global climate change.

“We the United States do not join those sections of the communiqué on climate and MDBs [Multilateral Development Banks], reflecting our recent announcement to withdraw and immediately cease implementation of the Paris Agreement and associated financial commitments,” a footnote on the G7 communiqué said.

Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom signed the statement to “reaffirm strong commitment to the swift and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.”

Prior to the announcing the United States’ exit from the Paris climate agreement, President Trump refused to sign a similar pledge last month at the G7 summit in Sicily during his first overseas trip as commander in chief.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt represented the U.S. at the G7 summit this weekend, but left the two-day meeting after a few hours to return to Washington for a Cabinet meeting, according to an AP report. Both Trump and Pruitt have stated that it is important for the United States to set its own environmental goals.

 

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