With President Trump’s action today, the United States rejects an agreement between 195 countries, and joins Syria and Nicaragua as the only countries that are not participants in the Paris Climate Agreement.
This administration once again demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of one of the biggest dangers facing our nation. Not only is climate change an issue of national security, but areas like the Inland Empire of California face real and measurable negative health consequences due to emissions that are a leading cause of climate change.
As policy makers we can argue and debate policy, but facts are not debatable. The President has turned a blind eye to the facts concerning climate change and instead embarked on an effort to turn back the clock on our progress, based on fear and ignorance.
In spite of the President’s empty rhetoric to “bring jobs” back the United States, today’s action will send a signal worldwide that the United States has no interest in clean energy programs and technology, a decision that could cost us billions of dollars in new investment in green jobs and infrastructure. This action sacrifices our health and economy and will reduce our international standing as a leader in addressing climate change.
It is a sad day for science, and a disappointing day for our underserved communities that typically bear the largest burden from the impacts of climate change.
Contact: Galen Dobbins, galen.dobbins@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2047