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World Reacts To Trump's Decision To Withdraw From Climate Agreement

Reactions to President Trump's announcement that the U.S. will withdraw from the climate accord poured in quickly.

World Reacts To Trump's Decision To Withdraw From Climate Agreement
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President Trump's announcement Thursday that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris climate agreement drew both praise and criticism from U.S. and world leaders.

While some Republicans commended the decision — House Speaker Paul Ryan said the agreement was "a raw deal" — others joined Democrats in criticizing Trump's decision.

The man responsible for signing the U.S. onto the Paris accord in the first place was, as expected, not thrilled.

Former President Barack Obama said in a statement: "Even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I'm confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up ... and help protect for future generations the one planet we've got."

Following Trump's announcement, Tesla Motors and SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced he would leave both the president's Economic Advisory Council and Manufacturing Jobs Initiative.

"I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," Trump said. 

China Is Championing Itself As A Leader In Climate Change
China Is Championing Itself As A Leader In Climate Change

China Is Championing Itself As A Leader In Climate Change

China's premier said he hoped other countries would follow his country's example in sticking with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

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But Pittsburgh's Democratic mayor doesn't see it that way. Mayor Bill Peduto said in a tweet that most of Pittsburgh voted for Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton. He wrote, "Pittsburgh stands with the world & will follow Paris Agreement."

And given that all but two countries have signed onto the agreement, it was not surprising that many world leaders condemned the decision.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians were "deeply disappointed" in Trump's decision.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon called the decision to withdraw from the agreement "irresponsible."

The prime minister of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said, "It's a sad day for the world."

In his statement, Trump said the U.S. would "begin negotiations to re-enter" the agreement under better terms or to seek a new one. 

But the leaders of France, Germany and Italy said in a joint statement they don't believe renegotiation is possible.

And after Trump announced the decision, The Weather Channel updated its homepage to illustrate what it thinks is at stake.

Its headline said, "LIVE BREAKING NOW: Trump Pulls U.S. Out of Paris Climate Agreement"

The tabs under it read as follows:

"Watch Trump Make the Announcement"

"So, What Happens to Earth Now?"

"Still Don't Care? Proof You Should"

"...and More Proof..."

"and Even More Proof..."

"...Or the Imminent Collapse of a Key Ice Shelf"

"...Or Antarctica Turning Green..."

"...Or California's Coast Disappearing Into the Sea"