Despite changes of leaders in the U.K., Brazil, Peru, and elsewhere, Trump still stands alone
WASHINGTON, DC –(ENEWSPF)–November 4, 2016. In July, it was widely reported that Donald Trump would be the only world leader to deny the science and dangers of climate change if elected President, according to a comprehensive study. Subsequently, so many nations officially adopted the Paris agreement that it will enter into force years ahead of time.
And then just two days ago Reuters reported that “In rare move, China criticizes Trump plan to exit climate change pact”
Today, a new comprehensive review of world leaders demonstrates that Trump would still be the only head of state in the world to deny the science and dangers of climate change, despite new leadership in nations ranging from the United Kingdom and Brazil to Iceland and Peru.
“World leaders change, but Donald Trump’s total ignorance of science remains the same. Electing a climate science conspiracy theorist like Trump would make America a global laughingstock and embarrassment, all while relinquishing our leadership role in the world” said Khalid Pitts, Sierra Club National Political Director. “The ice caps don’t negotiate, and neither do rising seas. Donald Trump’s moral failure to acknowledge the climate crisis might very well mean planetary disaster if he is elected.”
New Leaders, Same Reality:
United Kingdom:
David Cameron was replaced with Prime Minister Teresa May.
Despite initial ambiguity around her position, it quickly became clear when, shortly after taking office, she addressed the United Nations, saying “We will continue to play our part in the international effort against climate change. And in a demonstration of our commitment to the agreement reached in Paris, the UK will start its domestic procedures to enable ratification of the Paris agreement, and complete these before the end of the year.”
Source: UK.gov; Theresa May’s speech to the UN General Assembly
Brazil:
Embattled Dilma Rousseff was replaced with President Michel Temer.
Not long after taking office, he officiated over ratification of the Paris agreement, saying “The climate issue is a State issue. It is an obligation of all governments.”
Source: Presidency of the Republic of Brazil; Michel Temer validates Paris Agreement on climate change
Iceland:
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson was replaced by President Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson.
Shortly after Jóhannesson was elected in August, Iceland unanimously approved the Paris agreement. During a meeting with Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, the secretary congratulated the new President on the ratification during a discussion of the topic.
Source: United Nations; Readout of the Secretary-General’s meetings with H. E. Mr. Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, President of Iceland, and H. E. Mr. Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Prime Minister of Iceland
Peru:
President Ollanta Humala was replaced by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski
Kuczynski is an ardent climate advocate who campaigned on the establishment of a tough “Framework Law on Climate Change” for Peru.
Source: La Prensa; Pedro Pablo Kuczynski creará Sistema Nacional de Cambio Climático
Philippines:
Benigno Aquino III was replaced with controversial President Rodrigo Duterte
Duterte said during his State of the Nation Address, “Addressing climate change shall be a top priority but upon a fair and equitable equation.”
Source: Philippine News Now; SONA 2016: President Duterte says addressing global warming remains a top priority
Uzbekistan:
After the death of longtime dictator Islam Karimov, a power sharing Triumvirate was formed amid clan rivalries.
Despite the undetermined nature of the government, the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan remains Abdulaziz Kamilov, who said the following in an address to the United Nations: “Today the problems of ecology and climate change of a global nature – unprecedented both on their scale and destructiveness – are continuing to remain on the focus of attention of the international community. The largest in the newest world history ecological catastrophe of a planetary scale – the tragedy of Aral Sea, which for over a span of lifetime of one generation turned out to be on the verge of full disappearance, takes a special place in this row on its scales and consequences”
Source: UzDaily; Uzbek FM: Uzbekistan supports Sustainable Development Goals
Lebanon:
The former Interim President remains Prime Minister Tammam Salam.
In the previous report, it was noted that Tammam said the following during the signing ceremony for the Paris agreement in New York last April: “Lebanon sees climate action as an opportunity not only to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience, but also to solve many of our environmental, social and economic challenges.”
Source: United Nations; Statement by H.E. Mr. Tammam Salam
Seychelles:
James Michel has been replaced by President Danny Faure
At a United Nations gathering, Faure has said, “Climate change remains the most pressing issue in relation to financing for developing nations,” and praised global efforts to tackle the issue.
Source: United Nations; His Excellency Danny Faure, Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, at the 2nd Plenary Meeting of the 3rd International Conference on Financing for Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2015.
Source: http://sierraclub.org
