Trump's climate mistake highlights need for local leadership

The Michigan Environmental Council and Michigan Climate Action Network issued the following statement Thursday in response to President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord.

"It is deeply disappointing but not very surprising that President Trump has made the shortsighted decision to remove the United States from the hard-won, historic pact between 197 nations to work together for a livable planet. The president's mistake today not only breaks a commitment our country made to the rest of the world. It also goes against the will of most Americans, warnings from the scientific community and the best advice from business leaders. It means our country will fall behind and our economy will lose steam in the global clean energy race that is already underway. - Chris Kolb, president of the Michigan Environmental Council

"The need for unified action on climate change is clear right here in Michigan, where we're seeing greater climate-related health impacts along with weather extremes that hurt our food growers and more severe rain events that pollute our Great Lakes with sewage overflows. It's clearer than ever that Michigan residents can't look to the federal government for leadership in addressing the climate crisis, so change will have to start at home. Fortunately, Michigan communities and businesses are beginning to take control of their own energy futures by committing to 100 percent renewable energy. The president's decision today motivates us to work harder than ever to encourage more communities to build stronger local economies and rise to the challenge of climate change by committing to a clean energy future. - Kate Madigan, director of the Michigan Climate Action Network and energy and climate specialist for MEC

CONTACT

Andy McGlashen
Michigan Environmental Council
517-420-1908