Paris Climate Agreement Completed One Year; City Leaders Urge Donald Trump To Keep The Commitment

The Paris Climate Agreement completed its first year on Dec. 12, 2016. Given the changing political scenario and the remarks made by President-elect Donald Trump, the U.S. citizens and leaders are concerned whether the incoming administration will continue to support the country's role as a global climate leader in the future or it is going to back out of the Paris Climate Agreement.

On the occasion, Environment America that works for a cleaner, greener, healthier future joined hands with the mayors of cities, such as Orlando, FL, Fayetteville, AR, and Philadelphia, PA, and released a statement that urges Donald Trump to keep the country's commitment in the historical Paris Climate Agreement. According to a news release published on Penn Environment, Donald Trump's statements on climate change issue indicate that he wishes to back out of the agreement and to focus on dirty energy development. This has led to many speculations regarding the position of the U.S. as a global leader and perpetrator of clean energy and climate change.

Lindsey Mendelson, Environment America Fellow, said that, "One year ago today, nearly every nation on the planet came together and committed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change." She also remarked that,  "Today, we are joining with city leaders who are not only on the frontlines in dealing with climate change impacts but also taking ambitious steps to cut carbon pollution, to call on President-elect Trump to make sure the U.S. keep leading this effort."

According to the news release, 70 percent of the total greenhouse emissions are made by the urban cities. Therefore, the role and say of the city administration are vital in deciding the country's policies. "Cities are on the frontlines of climate impacts but we're already spearheading the solutions," said James Francis Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On the other hand, Mendelson further expressed her concern over the present situation and said, "For the sake of our health, our environment and diplomacy, it is imperative that President-elect Trump keeps the United States' end of the deal," and she also stressed on the positive outcomes of the efforts made by the city leaders, "As city leaders show, meeting the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement is not only achievable, but also paves the way for a cleaner, safer future for us all."