DAVOS, Switzerland — As expected, on the second day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland witnessed strong reactions to US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, with European leaders stating unequivocally that they will stand firm and remain part of the Paris climate agreement. global climate pact.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday: “Europe will stay the course and continue to work with all nations who want to protect nature and stop global warming.” She insisted the 27-nation bloc would stick to the historic Paris climate accord. “The Paris Agreement continues to be the best hope for all humanity,” she said.
The Paris agreement aims to limit long-term global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) or, failing that, keep temperatures at least well below 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels.
Minutes before von der Leyen’s speech, climate activists launched a rare surprise action inside the normally ultra-secure venue, unfurling a banner that read: “Tax the super-rich!” Finance a fair and green future.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell, speaking on a panel on this year’s upcoming climate talks in Brazil, said “the door remains open” for the United States. “The world is experiencing an unstoppable energy transition. Last year alone, more than $2 trillion was invested in the transition (to clean energy). And that compares to a trillion fossil fuels,” he said.
Stiell said there is currently “crisis fatigue” in the world. “In the poly-crisis environment we have found ourselves in for the past few years, climate has been relegated to the bottom of the list of crisis priorities,” he said. However, he said that regardless of political changes, “the science behind climate has not changed. The impacts have actually changed to the extent that they are only getting worse.
At a session in Davos focused on Europe’s clean energy transition, Alexander De Croo, the Belgian prime minister, responded to Trump’s decision by saying: “I mean, the world is even more full of uncertainty after yesterday, and perhaps tomorrow there will be even more. uncertainty. Please, as Europeans in the European Union, let us not add to the uncertainty by creating ambiguity about our objectives.”
Business leaders at Davos highlighted the benefits of sticking to a global climate mandate. Jesper Brodin, CEO of global furniture company IKEA, said: “For us, who have been on a bumpy train ride for a few years, we are discovering year after year how we can not only succeed in delivering to Paris Accord, but in reality, what are the advantages for businesses.
Climate scientists and activists from the Global South have been more critical of the United States’ withdrawal from the climate pact. “Globally, Trump’s decision undermines the collective fight against climate change at a time when unity and urgency are more essential than ever. The most tragic consequences, however, will be felt in developing countries,” said New Delhi-based Harjeet Singh of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. These vulnerable nations and communities, which have contributed the least to global emissions, will bear the brunt of the catastrophe. intensifying floods, rising water levels and crippling droughts.
Speaking in Davos, Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, said: “We are already collaborating on a scale where no one can stop, you know, not one country, not a single leader. a decision. Because it’s exactly the right thing to do on a global scale.
China has also expressed concern over the US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: “Climate change is a common challenge facing humanity,” adding that “no country can be excluded.” No country can be safe.” to this.
___ Sibi Arasu reported from Bangalore, India.
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Associated Press video journalist Helena Alves in Lisbon, Portugal, and writer Chris Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report. ___
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