Trump Pulls US Out of Paris Climate Accord, World Leaders Shocked

Trump claimed that the agreement would just lead to the decimation of the American economy. (Photo: AP)

US President Donald Trump announced USA’s exit from the Paris Climate Accord on Thursday evening, USA time, blaming it of disadvantaging the USA for the benefit of other countries.

Trump had earlier promised during his election campaign that he would cancel the landmark deal within 100 days of assuming office. He criticised the Obama-led government of signing the deal in ‘desperation’.

Trump particularly attacked India and China, accusing them of using the accord to double their coal production. Trump went on to claim that India received ‘billions and billions’ of foreign aid.

The United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens it imposes on our country. I can put no other consideration before the well-being of American citizens.

Donald Trump, President, USA 

Trump went on to claim that the agreement would just lead to the decimation of the American economy by taking away jobs in vital sectors like the automobile industry, on which a chunk of communities rely.

Compliance with the terms of the accord, and the energy restrictions placed on the US could cost it 2.7 million lost jobs by 2025, according to the National Economic Research Associates.

Donald Trump, President, USA

Trump though, made it clear that he would be open for negotiations with world leaders to course a way back into the 2015 climate deal. If that does not work out, he plans to construct a new deal altogether.

The decision has received backlash worldwide, with the European Commission strongly condemning the decision and Elon Musk announcing his departure from the advisory councils.

The spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the action a "major disappointment." The U.N. body that handles climate negotiations said the accord could not be renegotiated based on the request of a single nation.

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam