Wednesday 9 August 2017

US officially notifies UN of Paris climate exit

The US has officially notified the United Nations (UN) of its intention to withdraw from the Paris climate change pact.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres received the notification from the US to exit from the deal “as soon as it is eligible to do so”, unless it identifies “suitable terms for re-engagement”.

The notification comes two months after President Donald Trump announced his intention to leave the accord.

Under the rules of the Paris Agreement, a country may withdraw at any time after three years from the date on which the deal has entered into force for that nation and it takes effect upon expiry of one year from the date of receipt of the withdrawal notification.

The US accepted the climate deal on 3rd September 2016 and the agreement entered into force on 4th November 2016.

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General welcomes any effort to re-engage in the Paris Agreement by the US.

He added: “It is crucial that the US remains a leader on climate and sustainable development. Climate change is impacting now. He looks forward to engaging with the American government and all other actors in the United States and around the world to build the sustainable future for our children and future generations.”