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A day after US President Donald Trump announced a withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, the White House -- facing sharp criticism at home and abroad -- has defended his decision.
Trump wants to renegotiate the accord, but global leaders say that won't happen, CGTN’s Jessica Stone reports.
Like the president, US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt said the Paris climate accord unfairly held the US to higher standards than developing nations like India and China.
He said the US is not disengaging from environmental protection, but wants to renegotiate a new deal with the commitment to put the US first.
When asked what steps the administration is taking to engage internationally, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Trump will engage with domestic stakeholders and also talk with world leaders.
A White House statement reiterated that the US is still committed to a transatlantic alliance and environmental protection.
According to the group Climate Interactive, the US was responsible for one-fifth of the total cuts to emissions pledged under the agreement. The withdrawal of the US will make it more expensive for other countries to comply --especially nations in the developing world.
(CGTN)
