Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. The agreement, signed by 195 nations, serves as a commitment to combat global warming through actions such as pollution reduction and investment in renewable energy.

As a part of the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda, aka “Climate Mayors,” 246 mayors from across the United States signed a statement in opposition to the President’s action, agreeing to adopt, honor, and uphold the commitments to the goals established in the Paris accord. The statement also reiterated the mayors’ commitment to increasing investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, create a clean energy economy, and stand for environmental justice. 

Four Arizona Mayors signed the Climate Mayors statement:

Mayor Coral Evans of Flagstaff

Mayor Greg Stanton of Phoenix

Mayor Mark Mitchell of Tempe

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild of Tucson

In addition, some released their own statements. Below is the statement from Tempe Mayor, Mark Mitchell:

“I stand in strong opposition to President Trump’s announcement to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord. This historic global agreement was a major step forward in fighting the devastating and possibly irreversible effects of global climate change.  In Paris, 196 nations came together to make a substantial commitment to future generations. We cannot turn away from this promise. 

Climate change looms as one of the largest threats to our future health, safety and security.  Cities all across our great nation have and will continue to take up the fight against global climate change.  As a part of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, Tempe’s commitment to tackling climate change remains strong.  Tempe will continue the work of the Paris accord.  We will fulfill our energy efficiency goals and work with our local energy providers to increase the renewable energy that we create right here within our borders.  Tempe will continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

I am convinced that making investments in a clean energy economy will create jobs and improve our environment in Arizona.  I look forward to working with our residents and businesses to develop our climate action plan over the next two years; that effort is already underway and will only continue to gain momentum.”  

– Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe 

Source: City of Tempe and Mayors National Climate Action Agenda