'Now more than ever': Sadiq Khan says world leaders must unite to tackle climate change after Donald Trump quits Paris agreement

London's mayor said climate change 'remains one the biggest risks to humanity'
Bloomberg via Getty Images
Tom Powell2 June 2017

Sadiq Khan has said world leaders must unite to tackle climate change “now more than ever” after the US withdrew from the Paris climate agreement.

Donald Trump revealed he is quitting the world’s first comprehensive deal on climate change in a bombshell speech outside the White House on Thursday.

But he also raised the possibility of negotiating to re-enter the Paris accord or an entirely new deal on terms that were "fair" to the US.

The move has drawn widespread international criticism, with campaigners in the UK labelling it an "act of vandalism".

London’s mayor was quick to comment on the announcement, saying “climate change remains one the biggest risks to humanity.”

He said: “Now more than ever world leaders must recognise the threat of climate change and join forces to protect public health, reduce toxic pollution and help sustain a greener planet.

“I remain committed to the Paris Agreement and working with other world cities on solutions to tackling emissions, harmful pollutants and safe guarding the environment.

“We cannot overlook the fact that climate change remains one of the biggest environmental risks to humanity.”

President Trump had said he "cares deeply about the environment" but "cannot in good conscience support a deal that punishes the United States".

Donald Trump speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House
AP

He said: "Not only does this deal subject our citizens to harsh economic restrictions, it fails to live up to our ideals.

"This agreement is less about the climate and more about other countries gaining a financial advantage over the United States.”

Mr Obama, who was replaced by Mr Trump in January, released a pre-prepared statement in which he said: "The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created.

"I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I'm confident that our states, cities and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we've got."

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