President: US withdrawing from Paris Accords is a step backwards

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is a step back in the global effort against climate change.

The United States agreed to ratify the Paris Accords in the second term of President Barack Obama.

The US Foreign Secretary, John Kerry signed the accords last year at the United Nations HQ in New York and said that the accords will be implemented within the year.

But the current US President, Donald Trump has declared US withdrawal from the accords saying that the it is not an agreement beneficial to the US. Since then numerous countries have declared their disapproval of the decision and said that it is also a setback for the multilateral process that is essential for governing the international community.

A statement issued by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, he said that “As one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and a leader of 37 island and low-lying coastal nations at the United Nations, we are especially disappointed that the world’s largest economy and biggest historic emitter abdicated its responsibility on such a critical issue. Still, immediately after the US announcement was made, much of the world reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement and our common dignity as global citizens.”

“The Maldives will continue its historic role as the voice of the nations most vulnerable to climate change and work with all partners, new and old, to realize the promise of a clean energy economy and healthy planet.” President Yameen said.