On June 1 (U.S. time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement on climate change is a crucial step that demonstrates the resolution of the entire human race to tackle the issue of climate change.  The United States is only second to China as an emitter of greenhouse gases, and this decision to withdraw greatly detracts from the current momentum building with the international community toward engaging in global warming countermeasures.  It is an extremely regrettable decision that ignores the many voices of caution within the international community.

Japan has taken the lead in international efforts to deal with global environmental issues, including the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, and should therefore work to prevent the United States from taking actions such as these.  The Japanese government should use all possible channels to vigorously persuade the United States not to focus on its short term interests, but to recognize that global environmental issues are a significant challenge facing the entire human race, and that committing to the Paris Agreement will in itself contribute to the national development of the United States and bring economic benefits.  In particular, Prime Minister Abe, who prides himself on the relationship of trust he has developed with President Trump, should take this opportunity to provide the U.S. President with honest criticism and take a strong stance, urging him to rethink his position.

The Democratic Party has always actively engaged with global environmental issues and has continued to set forth concrete proposals relating to such matters.  We will take a stance in which we will say what needs to be said to the United States regarding such decisions as the current one, and are resolved to continue to work with all resources at our disposal toward realizing a sustainable and low-carbon international society.