WASHINGTON (June 1, 2017) – CARE today is deeply alarmed that the Trump Administration has announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change – placing an even greater burden on hundreds of millions of people living in extreme poverty, particularly women and girls. The misguided decision weakens the U.S.’s standing in the world, which was built on the trust that America will abide by its commitments.
Climate change impacts us all – farmers from Nebraska to Niger, coastal residents from Miami to Mombasa, and anyone who cares about America’s economic, social, and security interests. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. Now is not the time for the U.S. to walk away from its multilateral commitments and from the people who will be disproportionally impacted by climate change: the extreme poor.
“U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will erode America’s standing in the world at a time when global cooperation is needed more than ever,” said Michelle Nunn, president and CEO of CARE. “Coming on the heels of a budget proposal that, if enacted, would increase suffering among the poorest and make the world a more dangerous place, the Trump Administration’s intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is another failure of U.S. leadership. CARE will continue to hold all governments accountable for ambitious action to tackle the climate crisis and to respect and promote human rights in all climate action. Addressing climate change is critical to the continued progress to combat extreme poverty and to alleviate humanitarian crises.”
CARE calls on the Trump Administration to stand by its diplomatic commitments and to protect vulnerable populations at home and abroad — those hit first, and worst, by climate impacts. “The Paris Agreement is all about fairness,” Nunn said. “It was fairly negotiated among nearly 200 countries, including the United States. And it helps correct a historic unfairness: the disproportionate impact of climate change on the people least responsible for causing it, those living in extreme poverty. Walking away from the Paris Agreement now is a sign that America is prepared, not only to stand in isolation, but also to walk away from its partners, from its moral responsibility, and from the promise it owes to future generations of a healthy and safe planet.”
Climate change demands action by all, including the U.S. Over 140 countries have ratified the landmark Paris Agreement, reflecting the determination of governments around the world to move forward in tackling climate change. The U.S. should reinforce that determination, not undermine it. CARE urges the Trump Administration to reconsider a position that will harm not only the planet, but also its poorest and most vulnerable inhabitants, for generations to come.
About CARE:
Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor girls and women because, equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty. Last year, CARE worked in 94 countries and reached more than 80 million people around the world. To learn more, please visit www.care.org.
Media Contacts:
Nicole Ellis, +1-202-560-1791, nicole.ellis@care.org