During Trump's previous term, when the US, on his orders, left the international agreement for the first time, several governors in the US gathered under the banner of the United States Climate Alliance to continue following the climate goals that the Paris Agreement entails.
In a letter from the chairs – governors Michelle Lujan Grisham in New Mexico and Kathy Hochul in New York – they promise to continue the climate fight this time as well.
The Alliance represents 60 percent of the US economy and 55 percent of the population, and has collectively reduced its greenhouse gas emissions for 15 years in a row.
"It is of utmost importance for the international community to know that climate actions will continue in the US," the governors write.
Advantage for China and the EU?
Several research institutes and environmental organizations condemn the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, whose goal is to limit global warming to a maximum of two degrees.
Ani Dasgupta, CEO of the research organization WRI (World Resources Institute), notes that many communities in the US are annually affected by floods, fires, and hurricanes.
"Leaving the Paris Agreement will not protect Americans from climate impact, but it gives China and the EU a competitive advantage in the growing green energy industry, and leads to fewer opportunities for American workers," he says in a statement.
Can Encourage Others
Human rights organization Amnesty's US chief Paul O'Brien calls the decision reckless and harmful.
"The worst is that such behavior will only encourage other leaders to follow."
"Trump showed today that he once again thinks of putting fossil fuel companies' profits before people's health and well-being in the country," comments Rachel Cleetus, policy chief at the research organization Union of Concerned Scientists.
