Paris climate agreement: Without U.S., what's next move for world leaders?
In the aftermath of U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement — a global agreement to curb the effects of climate change — world leaders are taking stock of the work that lies ahead.
Canada partnered with the United Nations to host this year's World Environment Day — the largest global celebration of nature and call for environmental action.
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna says the previous U.S. government worked "extraordinarily closely" with the Canadian government to craft the Paris agreement.
"I think it's very unfortunate the position of the new government has taken because we all understand that climate change is real ... and that we need to be taking action together," she tells The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti.
Although McKenna says it's unfortunate the U.S. as a country will no longer be "at the table" when it comes to discussing climate action, she's optimistic about how Trump's move has prompted state governments and individual businesses to step up.
"We're going to be working with all the partners who believe that we need to be taking action for the future of our planet, for our children and grandchildren, and also because of the huge economic opportunity," she says.
Erik Solheim, the executive director of the UN Environment Programme, says the impact of the U.S. leaving the Paris agreement is not as dire as some people believe because of the private sector.
Europe, China, India, Canada, Japan — everyone else has decided to lead.- Erik Solheim, UN Environment Programme
He says "all the main companies of the modern economy" such as Apple, Google and financial giants like Goldman Sachs, are largely driving the climate action movement.
"They've all come out in opposition to the president, but much more important, they said 'we will move ahead, we will go renewable whatever happens in the White House because we believe in this,'" Solheim explains.
"Europe, China, India, Canada, Japan — everyone else has decided to lead."
One reason Trump gave for pulling out of the global agreement is it puts financial and economic burdens on the U.S.
However, McKenna argues there is a "huge opportunity for the innovation that's needed to move to a lower carbon economy." Other governments and businesses around the world are taking advantage of the opportunities the U.S. is leaving behind and filling in the gaps, including Canada.
If the U.S. is going to step back … Canada is going to step up with other countries.- Catherine McKenna, environment minister
"In Canada, we're actually providing the certainty they need by having a solid regulatory framework, by explaining our policies, by working with them," she explains.
According to McKenna, the uncertainty the Trump administration created while making their decision made people "much more familiar" with the Paris agreement and strengthened the resolve of other countries.
"I think there's a lot of will out there and I think we now are just going to move forward," she says.
"If the U.S. is going to step back … Canada is going to step up with other countries."
Listen to this segment at the top of the web post.
This segment was produced by The Current's Liz Hoath.