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Home / G20 leaders must show Trump stands alone on climate change, says Christian Aid

G20 leaders must show Trump stands alone on climate change, says Christian Aid

By agency reporter
July 6, 2017

As the big economies gather in Hamburg for the first G20 meeting since Donald Trump announced his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Christian Aid has called on leaders to show the US President that he has relegated himself to the side-lines of climate change negotiations.

Mohamed Adow, Christian Aid’s International Climate Lead, said: “The Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has backfired. Far from undermining the Agreement, he has driven climate change to the top of the geopolitical agenda.

“Angela Merkel has made this G20 summit a test of leadership. We’re seeing a new constellation of diplomatic leaders, led by China and Europe, coming together to form a progressive climate alliance. At this summit, Donald Trump must realise that he has walked away from the top table on an issue of major international importance – on climate change he stands alone.

“The best way for the remaining ‘G19’ to defend the Paris Agreement is to enact promises within it. Trump has made his choice: it’s time for the other leaders to get down to business. By delivering on the pledges enshrined in the accord they will demonstrate its effectiveness, and have a fighting chance to stay on a safe course.

“The moment has now come for major economy leaders to shift gears from rhetoric to hard action and get on with the business at hand, towards a clean, sustainable and resilient global economy. Christian Aid wants to see leaders commit to making a big shift in the flow of global finance – away from dirty energy sources like coal, and towards green investment.

“This G20 also presents a test for Theresa May. Last month she gave only a soft slap on the wrist to Trump’s reckless act: but with her international reputation in the balance, she must publicly show that on climate change she has far more in common with the rest of the world than with Donald Trump and join other leaders in defending and advancing the Paris Agreement.”

* Christian Aid http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

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