The world must adhere to climate goals, despite what the US and UK envoys say

Britain's climate ambassador said that despite the United States pulling out, the world must continue to pursue the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions outlined in Paris Agreement. The UK is also moving forward with its goals.

Last month, Donald Trump, the president of the United States, withdrew his country as the second largest emitter in the world from an agreement that seeks to limit global temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Rachel Kyte said in an interview during a trip to Pretoria, South Africa. "Around world, people have noticed that the U.S. pulled out of Paris. But we must continue," she told the interviewer. "The science is unchanged, and no other country's position has changed. The direction of travel remains the same."

U.S. Energy Sec. Chris Wright called Monday pledges to achieve zero net carbon emissions a sinister goal, singling out Britain's clean energy targets.

Kyte stated that "the (world's ability) to manage the climate crisis is completely linked to the British people's well-being, energy security and food security."

She said, "It's unfortunate that the United States has been voted out... but we are moving forward."

The decision by Britain to spend its National Wealth Fund on defence this month has led to fears that funds will be reduced for green energy. Kyte stated that no decisions have been made about how the funds will be allocated.

She said that the energy transition is being driven "by using public money to crowd in private investment".

Exclusively reported on Wednesday, the United States also withdraws from the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which was created to assist developing countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Africa, in their transition away from coal.

Kyte stated that it is too early to know what effect this will have, but the other partners remain and are deploying capital, which in turn will attract commercial investment. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; reporting by Tim Cocks)

(source: Reuters)