US Literally Reduced To A Footnote @ G7 Climate Talks; Pruitt Bails After Just A Few Hours

[hatrack]

The United States was literally only a footnote in the 15-page communiqué released Monday by G7 environmental ministers. The meeting of environmental ministers from leading industrialized nations ended Monday with the United States refusing to sign a joint statement on climate change. In the statement, the remaining six nations — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom — reiterated their commitment to reducing their carbon dioxide emissions.

The United States did not join the other nations in reaffirming their “strong commitment to the swift and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.” In a footnote on page 2 of the document, the United States is quoted as saying, “We the United States do not join those sections of the communiqué on climate and [multilateral development banks], reflecting our recent announcement to withdraw and immediately cease implementation of the Paris Agreement and associated financial commitments.”

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt had left the weekend meeting in Italy more than a day early after being told by his counterparts they were disappointed with President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, according to several media reports.

EDIT

On Friday, (Ed. - German Environment Minister Barbara) Hendricks’ ministry posted a “fact check” of Trump’s speech announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement. “In his speech on the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, delivered on 1 June 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump made a series of claims to justify his decision,” the German environment ministry said. “We have put these claims to the test, with results that reveal blatant fallacies. Mr Trump’s speech does not stand up to fact-checking in decisive points.”

EDIT

https://thinkprogress.org/scott-pruitt-leaves-g7-meeting-early-a20fae064de6

[Docreed2003]

1. K&R

This administrations gross negligence on the climate needs to be highlighted!!

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I totally agree!

This isn't just unacceptable, it's foolhardy and dangerous...