Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

President Trump’s decision to withdraw from a multinational climate agreement, commonly known as the Paris Climate Accord created a tsunami of reactions worldwide. World leaders and business CEOs almost universally decried the decision. The US absence from a leadership position in the fight against the threats and consequences of climate change is a negative development. The need for action is immediate and will need to include all levels of government, and the private sector stakeholders. The US cities after the US President’s decision to remove the country from the Paris Accord stepped up their efforts to address climate change threats. While it may be that these efforts are a result of altruistic desires of the mayors and other elected officials representing their constituents at a local level, cities and communities have a moral and ethical obligation to address concerns and prepare for the climate change-related impacts.