With the inauguration of the United States’ 47th President, Donald Trump, due to take place later today, Jamie Peters, interim chief executive of Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said:
“For the many people across the US and globally who believe in a collective future where international peace is possible, the rights of all are protected and the health of our planet is recovering, today is likely to be a sobering moment.
“From his promise to “drill, baby, drill” to demanding the re-opening of the North Sea, Trump’s return to the Oval Office is emboldening a new wave of climate denial - despite the catastrophic wildfires raging now in Los Angeles, fuelled by climate change.
“But instead of giving in to the culture of fear, division and doubt being sown by those who stand to gain from increasing polarisation online and in our communities, we must redouble our efforts for climate and social justice at such a critical juncture for people and the planet.
“2024 was a year of devastating floods, scorching heatwaves and deadly droughts the world over, and the first to surpass the 1.5 degrees threshold. With things only set to worsen in 2025, there couldn’t be a greater need for global co-operation in averting runaway climate breakdown.
“Countries like the UK must lead the charge in bringing the international community together around an agenda of transformative climate action that benefits people with lower energy bills, secure, green jobs and a healthier environment for all.”
ENDS