US Cities Defy Trump, Still Back Paris Climate Deal

US coalition has economy larger than Japan, Germany combined
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 11, 2017 2:55 PM CST
US Cities Defy Trump, Still Back Paris Climate Deal
Demonstrators costumed as President Trump and polar bears protest against the climate change during climate conference COP in Bonn, western Germany, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017.   (Bernd Thissen/dpa via AP)

A group of US states, cities, businesses, and universities said Saturday they are still committed to curbing global warming even as the Trump's administration is walking away from the Paris climate accord, the AP reports. But the alliance, which has an economy larger than Japan and Germany combined, says it won't be able to achieve the necessary cut in greenhouse gas emissions without some efforts at the federal level. "It is important for the world to know, the American government may have pulled out of the Paris agreement, but the American people are committed to its goals, and there is nothing Washington can do to stop us," former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a global climate meeting in Bonn, Germany.

The group calling itself "America's Pledge" said states, cities, and private groups have been taking considerable steps to reduce emissions by promoting renewable energy use and climate-friendly transportation systems. "This is a pledge, and it's a pledge that you can cash, because it's real," said Gov. Jerry Brown of California said. In a report, however, the group said that "we cannot underscore strongly enough the critical nature of federal engagement to achieve the deep decarbonization goals the US must undertake after 2025." Daniel Firger, one of the report's contributors, said it was intended to show that many in the US aren't prepared to wait for President Trump to change his mind on climate change again or wait for the next administration to tackle the issue.

(More climate change stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X