Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from the Paris climate accord, defying pleas from allies and leaving America as one of only three nations opposed to the global effort to combat climate change. But the president left open the prospect of negotiating a new environmental deal.
Announcing his decision from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday afternoon, Mr Trump said “In order to fulfil my solemn duty to America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord but begin negotiations to re-enter either the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction.”
“One by one we are keeping the promises I made to the American people during my campaign for president,” Mr Trump said. “I cannot in good conscience support a deal that punishes the United States.”