MAPC issues statement on anticipated U.S. withdrawal from Paris climate accord

Cameron Peterson, Director of Clean Energy at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in Boston, today released the following statement:

“MAPC is deeply troubled by this week’s announcement that the Trump Administration may withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement.

We believe that the United States is critical to the landmark 2015 climate change accord, and that all of us must work together to address the many challenges of a changing climate. America cannot step back at a time when changes of a global scale are already underway and interdependency is inexorable.

In addition to the environmental and health benefits, the historic growth of the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors makes the clean energy economy a vital source of employment and economic development in Massachusetts and across America. MAPC strongly urges President Trump not to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

Our state, region, and cities and towns remain steadfast in our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change. This past November, the 14 cities and towns that make up the Metro Mayors Coalition in Greater Boston signed onto a ‘Mitigation Commitment’ inspired by the Paris climate accord. These 14 mayors committed to undertake impactful climate mitigation actions by 2020, and to work together to become a Net Zero region by 2050.

Many other cities and towns throughout the MAPC region and across Massachusetts have taken similar actions. They are putting solar panels on their schools, weatherizing their municipal facilities, and installing electric vehicle charging stations at their commuter rail parking lots.

We affirm that we are stronger together. We resolutely urge the President to show America’s strength in partnering with the world to combat the greatest challenge of our time.

To truly be great, we must persist and scale up our nation’s efforts to combat climate change. We must look outward, and seize the opportunities that come with it.”

Contact:
Amanda Linehan
Communications Manager 617-933-0705
[email protected]

 

Wednesday, 31 May 2017