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European leaders in Davos pledge that they will stick to the Paris climate agreement despite Trump’s withdrawal

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — As expected, Switzerland witnessed strong reactions on day two of the World Economic Forum in Davos to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, with European leaders in stated in no uncertain terms that they will adhere to the Paris climate agreement. strengthen and remain part of the global climate pact.

The head of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Tuesday: “Europe will stay the course and continue to work together with all countries that want to protect nature and stop global warming.” She urged the 27-nation bloc to stick to the historic Paris climate agreement. “The Paris Agreement remains the best hope for all humanity,” she said.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit long-term global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) or, failing that, at least well below 3.6 degrees Maintain Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels.

Minutes before von der Leyen spoke, climate activists carried out a surprising and rare action in the normally ultra-secure location, unfurling a banner that read: “Tax the super-rich! Finance a just and green future.”

Speaking on a panel looking ahead to this year’s upcoming climate talks in Brazil, United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell said the “door remains open” for the United States. “The world is undergoing an energy transition that can no longer be stopped. Last year alone, more than $2 trillion was invested in the transition (to clean energy). And that compares to a trillion in fossil fuels,” he said

Stiell said there is “crisis fatigue” in the world right now. “The polycrisis environment we have found ourselves in in recent years has placed climate on the priority list of the crisis,” he said. However, he said that regardless of political changes, “the science behind climate has not changed. The consequences have actually changed, in the sense that they are just getting worse and worse.”

In a session in Davos looking at Europe’s transition to clean energy, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo responded to Trump’s decision by saying: “I mean, the world is even more uncertain after yesterday, and maybe there will be tomorrow, perhaps even more uncertainty. insecurity. As Europeans within the European Union, please let us not increase uncertainty by creating ambiguity about our objectives.”

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Business leaders in Davos agreed on the benefits of sticking to a global climate mandate. Jesper Brodin, CEO of global furniture company IKEA said: “For us, who have been on the bumpy train ride for a few years now, we are discovering year after year how we can actually not only manage to deliver on the Paris Agreement, but actually how it delivers business benefits.”

Climate scientists and activists from the South were more critical of the US withdrawal from the climate pact. “Globally, Trump’s decision undermines the collective fight against climate change at a time when unity and urgency are more important than ever. However, the most tragic consequences will be felt in developing countries,” said Harjeet Singh of New Delhi, of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. These vulnerable countries and communities, which have contributed the least to global emissions, will bear the brunt of increased flooding, rising seas and crippling droughts.”

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Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All, said in Davos: “We are already working together on a scale where no one can stop, you know, not one country, not one leader who decision. Because it is exactly the right thing to do globally.”

China also expressed concern about the US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: “Climate change is a common challenge facing humanity,” adding that “no country can be beyond it.” No country can be immune. to it.”

___ Sibi Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India.

___

Associated Press video journalist Helena Alves in Lisbon, Portugal and writer Chris Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report. ___

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental reporting receives funding from several private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s Standards for Working with Charities, a list of supporters, and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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