US elects Trump as 47th President

Reacting to the news that Donald Trump will be United States' next president, Jamie Peters, interim chief executive of Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said:

“Many people in the US and around the world will be feeling dismayed and frightened by this outcome and what it will mean for democracy, environmental justice and for the rights of women, people of colour, refugees and LGBTQIA+ communities.

“We stand in solidarity with our sister organisation in the US, Friends of the Earth Action, steadfast in our commitment to building a fair, green future.

“While this result is a clear blow for US action on climate, we can’t let it derail global progress towards averting the worst of climate breakdown.

“We must come together as a diverse movement, energised by this result, to continue the fight for climate and social justice. We are united against fear, division and hatred, we will continue to resist the far right and any attacks on democracy and human rights.

“In the UK, voters across the political spectrum want to see urgent climate action to cut emissions and ensure we can all benefit from the green jobs, lower bills, health and economic benefits of a zero-carbon future.

“In the wake of devastating and deadly flooding in Europe, hurricanes in the Americas, and record wildfires across Brazil this year, governments – including the UK – must come together at the UN climate talks next week and show the climate leadership needed at this most critical time for people and our planet.”  

ENDS