Palais de l’Elysée, Paris - June 1, 2017
Now, let me say a few words to our American friends. Climate change is one of the major issues of our time. It is already changing our daily lives but it is global. Everyone is impacted. And if we do nothing, our children will know a world of uncontrolled migrations, of wars, of shortages. A dangerous world.
It is not the future we want for ourselves. It is not the future we want for our children. It is not the future we want for our world.
Today, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris agreement. I do respect his decision, but I do think it is an actual mistake both for the US and for our planet.
I just said president Trump in a few words a few minutes ago this assessment.
Tonight I wish to tell the United States, France believes in you. The world believes in you. I know that you are a great nation. I know your history, our common history.
To all scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, responsible citizens who were disappointed by the decision of the President of the United States, I want to say that they will find in France a second homeland.
I call on them: come and work here with us, to work together on concrete solutions for our climate, our environment. I can assure you, France will not give up the fight.
I reaffirm clearly that the Paris agreement remains irreversible and will be implemented, not just by France but by all the other nations.
Over the coming hours, I will have the opportunity to speak with our main partners to define a common strategy and to launch new initiatives. I already know that I can count on them.
I call on you to remain confident. We will succeed, because we are fully committed. Because wherever we live, whoever we are, we all share the same responsibility: Make Our Planet Great Again.
Thank you.
France is fully committed to the fight against climate disruption, in accordance with the guidelines set out by President Macron, following President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.
Along with my German counterpart, I have instructed our ambassadors in a number of countries that have an important role to play in implementing the Paris Agreement to take steps to ensure that this historic agreement is fully implemented.
I welcome the reaffirmation by many of our partners of their attachment to the agreement. The momentum generated in December 2015 toward achieving a low-carbon economy is now irreversible and must be intensified.
France will honor all of its commitments and will be even more ambitious. France is working on an action plan and on concrete initiatives, notably in Europe and Africa.
I reaffirm the need for solidarity in order to help the most vulnerable countries achieve sustainable development and deal with the consequences of natural disasters.
We are reaching out to the United States and will propose initiatives to key players who want to implement the Paris Agreement commitments. We will support all stakeholder groups arising from COP21 that bring together states, cities, citizens and companies in order to continue the fight against climate disruption all around the world.
Five myths about the Paris Climate Agreement
1 - The Paris Agreement is bad for the economy: FALSE
The transition towards a greener economy creates new local and sustainable jobs and gives a boost to all sectors of the economy. According to the OECD, climate action could increase G20 countries’ GDP by 2.8% by 2050. Employment in the renewable energies sector increased from 8.3 million to 9.98 million in 2016.
2 - Only rich countries are trying to comply with the Paris Agreement: FALSE
The Paris Agreement is a balanced and flexible agreement, designed so that all countries can contribute to it equitably. Major emerging countries like China and India have made ambitious national commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to their effects. China is already on track to exceed its 2015 commitments.
3 - The Paris Agreement undermines national sovereignty: FALSE
The Agreement gives each country the freedom to choose its national climate commitments, with a view to complying with the goals of the Agreement. The commitments made by each country within the framework of the Paris Agreement are determined at the national level, with no constraints imposed by the Paris Agreement.
4 - The Paris Agreement is not legally binding: FALSE
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty which is enshrined in the national law of each country which has ratified it. It establishes obligations for States Parties, including an obligation to step up efforts over time and obligations regarding clarity and transparency in relation to the presentation and achievement of these efforts.
5 - Only developed countries will provide financing to implement the Paris Agreement: FALSE
All countries can make financial contributions to implement the Paris Agreement, either via multilateral funds, like the Green Climate Fund, or via bilateral financial assistance. In fact, several developing countries have contributed to the Green Climate Fund, such as Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Furthermore, China has announced a $3 billion contribution via a South-South Cooperation Fund.
