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Statement by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, T.D. on the announcement by President Trump on the Paris Agreement

News that the United States intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement has been met with concern and extreme disappointment by the Irish Government.

Environment Minister Denis Naughten  said:

We are all vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and we all have a responsibility to address climate change within our respective capabilities. I am therefore extremely disappointed and concerned that the United States has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The previously strong ambition shown by the United States played a major role in mobilising global ambition and achieving the agreement reached by 195 Parties in Paris in 2015. This is a major setback for the international community and it is essential that the decision of the United States does not weaken global resolve.

Noting the announcement this week by the United Nations Secretary General of his intention to convene a dedicated climate summit in 2019 to review implementation of the Paris Agreement, Minister Naughten added:

Ireland remains committed to continuing to work with its EU partners under the UN Framework to make the Paris Agreement a success and to ensure that all of the EU’s international partners stay committed to the Agreement.

Minister Naughten concluded:

Upon their withdrawal the US will join Nicaragua and Syria as the only countries outside the Paris Agreement.