SELC Executive Director Rick Middleton released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.
President Trump’s speech yesterday announcing his decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord was very troubling to watch. This was dramatic evidence that the president and Scott Pruitt, his EPA administrator, have little understanding or concern for the magnitude and urgency of the threat we face from climate change and global warming.
Big impact
If the Southeast were a country, it would be the world’s 7th largest source of carbon dioxide emissions.
The fact is, whether we are in or out of the Paris agreement, the clear goal of this administration is to maximize fossil fuel use, regardless of consequences to the United States or to the world.
The Southern Environmental Law Center is not going to let this happen. If our six states were a country, we would be the seventh largest contributor of carbon emissions in the world. We know that climate change is real, and it’s happening right now: just look at southern cities like Charleston and Norfolk that are struggling with disruptive flooding from sea level rise.
Our region must act, and act now. SELC is geared up and ready. Our lawyers are going to oppose these anti-environmental policies at every turn, and we will prevail. At the same time, we will move our region toward solar and other cleaner alternatives that can fuel our modern economy and communities.
Don't be discouraged. Get mad, and be determined. We cannot let them get away with this. Join SELC in standing up and speaking out, and help us fight for common sense and our common future.
