Leaders at the World Economic Forum’s annual conference in Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to combating global warming, despite US President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. The move has been seen as a signal of the administration’s lack of concern for rising planet-warming emissions and a rebuke of multilateralism.
The forum, which has a long-running focus on climate and the environment, ranked extreme weather as one of the world’s top threats. Policymakers and companies in attendance have promoted efforts to reduce emissions, embrace clean energy, and collaborate globally to combat global warming.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe will continue its plans to protect nature and stop global warming, regardless of the US decision. The United Nations climate chief, Simon Stiell, noted that the world is undergoing an unstoppable energy transition and that the US can rejoin the Paris pact at any time.
Corporate leaders expressed frustration with the US withdrawal but remained committed to their climate goals. Google’s Kate Brandt and Amazon’s Kara Hurst stated that they will not veer from their sustainability targets despite the president’s decision.
Climate activists, however, were more critical of Trump’s move, arguing that it will cost lives and hinder efforts to protect the planet. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative’s chairwoman, Tzeporah Berman, called the decision a desperate attempt to hold onto the past, rather than embracing a sustainable future.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/business/trump-climate-davos.html