California leaders pledge commitment to Paris Accord

State and city leaders form a coalition despite President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the agreement

President Trump announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the Paris climate accord on Thursday afternoon, a move that was met with immediate backlash from both sides of the political spectrum.

The news caused mayors from across the nation to form a coalition called Mayors National Climate Action Agenda (MNCAA). The members of the group signed a statement on Thursday in which they pledged their commitment to meeting the goals of the climate accord in their respective cities. Up to 87 mayors signed the statement as of late Thursday night, including several from Southern California.

Long Beach mayor Robert Garcia was among the signatories of the Climate Mayors’ statement. He took to social media to announce his participation with the group as well as to release a statement on the matter.

At the state level, California Gov. Jerry Brown is staying a course he began long before President Trump made his announcement.

Brown immediately called out Trump’s decision and stated that California is ready to lead the way against climate change. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee are also standing against the decision to withdraw from the climate accords.

As for President Trump, he has not given a response in regards to the government officials that are choosing to follow the accord.

The Union Weekly will continue to report on this issue as more information becomes available. A report on CSU Long Beach’s stance on climate change will be published next week.