If you're one of the many feeling shell-shocked in the wake of President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, you're not alone. Former president Barack Obama just issued a characteristically articulate response in which he denounced Trump's White House for its short-sighted rejection of the future.
"The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created," Obama said in a statement per The Washington Post. "I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack."
RELATED STORY
The Paris agreement marked a turning point in the global fight against climate change, uniting almost 200 nations worldwide to legally ratify action against pollution. In withdrawing from the Paris agreement, described by Obama as "the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children," Trump puts the United States in the company of just two other nations: Syria and Nicaragua.
"Even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future," Obama's statement continued, "I'm confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we've got."
Watch Trump's announcement here:
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest news, fascinating reads, video, and more.
-
Prince Andrew's Business Advisor Accused of Being a "Spy" and Banned From the U.K."We found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor."
-
Kate Middleton Allegedly Rejected Idea to Seat Prince Andrew "Behind a Pillar" at Her Christmas Carol Concert"Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
-
32 Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Reality TVBelieve it or not.
-
A Nationwide Reaction to the 2024 ElectionHow are people feeling in this moment? Marie Claire spoke to folks across the country to find out what they were thinking as they cast their votes and waited to hear the results.
-
The Historic Election Victories Worth CelebratingIncluding momentous firsts, abortion protections, and New York's "Equal Rights Amendment."
-
Kamala Harris Has Lost the 2024 Presidential ElectionIt's official.
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in DamagesCarroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil SuitA jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
