In response to President Trump’s announcement of the intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Abby Maxman, Oxfam America’s President and CEO, said:
“Another U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is more than reckless—it’s economic self-sabotage and a betrayal of every community, both in the U.S. and globally, already facing catastrophic storms, heat waves, and rising seas. We know from our humanitarian work around the world that climate-driven damage is increasing risks to lives and livelihoods, driving up costs for businesses and industries, and worsening inequality.
“The U.S. should be leading the fight for a livable planet—not only because of its responsibility as the largest historical polluter, but because ignoring the problem at our doorstep will harm people living in the United States, who have recently suffered severe damage from climate-driven disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires and will face even more in the years ahead.
“While we will have a climate denier in the White House, any predictions that this is ‘game over’ for climate ambition are wrong. Most Americans support climate action, and communities, cities, and states across the country are stepping up to work for a sustainable future. The struggle to protect our planet isn’t over—and together, we can still win.”
/ENDS