This passage discusses the decision of the United States President, Donald Trump, to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the agreement, stating that it aims to limit global temperature rise to two degrees Celsius to prevent severe environmental damage and disruptions to the world's food supply.
The speaker also highlights the economic implications of the decision, noting that it could have a significant impact on American businesses, especially those in renewable energy, by putting the US at a disadvantage in terms of international cooperation and investment.
The speaker criticizes Trump's misleading descriptions of the Paris Agreement, stating that it is voluntary and not legally binding, and that the agreement does not penalize nations that fail to meet their commitments.
The passage concludes by urging listeners to find out their local government representatives' stances on climate change and to hold them accountable. The speaker also encourages companies to continue their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and to transition to renewable energy.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
- President Trump announced his decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord, which aims to limit global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. (Fact 1)
- The Paris agreement is voluntary and each country sets its own goals and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Fact 2)
- Trump's decision was criticized by many world leaders, businesses, scientists and environmentalists, who said it would harm America's reputation, economy and climate. (Fact 3)
- China and India, two of the world's largest emitters, have pledged to continue their efforts to shift to renewable energy and meet their Paris commitments. (Fact 4)
- Some state and local politicians in the US, as well as some companies, have also vowed to uphold the Paris goals and invest in clean energy. (Fact 5)
- Trump's reasons for leaving the agreement were based on misleading or false claims about the costs and benefits of the deal for the US. (Fact 6)