Scientists from the University of Sheffield who presented to world leaders, politicians and policy makers at COP Paris in 2015 react to USA withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord agreement.
Tony Ryan, Director of the University of Sheffield Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, said that, despite the announcement, it is vital researchers continue to work with colleagues in the US to build the evidence base for climate change and develop mitigating technology.
Speaking in reaction to the announcement he said:
“This recent announcement leaves the civil society aghast, but at the same time safe in the knowledge that President Trump’s view is not representative of either his great country or the rest of the world.
“We will continue to work with our colleagues in the USA to build the evidence base for climate change, develop mitigating technology and work to decarbonise the economy through renewable energy generation, storage and distribution.
“It is encouraging to see the cities and states of the US uniting in their aim of fulfilling the Paris Climate Accord, whilst the rest of the world progresses to a low carbon future led by the ultimate superpower – the sun.”
Leading academics and PhD students from the University of Sheffield’s Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures and Energy 2050 attended the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015 to share their research and expertise on food security and sustainable energy. This added to the evidence base that helped to secure the global deal to prevent global temperatures rising more than two degrees above pre-industrial levels.