US President Donald Trump has announced plans to withdraw from the Paris Accord on climate change.
The White House said it would seek to “re-enter or negotiate an entirely new agreement with more favorable terms for the US”.
Trump (pictured) had promised to carry out the withdrawal while campaigning for the presidency. He said the move will “protect the economy and strengthen the work force”.
“The Paris Climate Accord cost the US economy nearly $3 trillion in reduced output, over 6 million industrial jobs, and over 3 million manufacturing jobs,” he added.
Trump vowed the US would maintain its position as “a world leader in clean energy”.
The move was widely criticised. A number of large companies including those in the energy industry promised to continue on their current low-carbon path.
Michael Polsky, chief executive of US wind developer Invenergy, echoed wider comments by saying: “Despite the administration’s decision to retreat from the rest of the world, Invenergy will charge forward to bring clean and low-carbon energy solutions to market.
“Invenergy’s customers and partners, as well as local, state and national political leaders around the world, know clean energy makes sense. Together with them, Invenergy will not waiver in its commitment to clean and affordable energy that puts people to work and leaves us all better off.”
Image: White House
