Solymos: I Hope USA Will Accept Responsibility to Tackle Global Warming

Bratislava, November 16 (TASR) – All of the participants in the climate conference in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh have accepted that global warming has had negative consequences that can be seen even this year – one of the warmest in history, stated Environment Minister Laszlo Solymos (Most-Hid) on Wednesday.

Delegates at the conference have also discussed what will happen if US president-elect Donald Trump goes through with his election campaign pledge to withdraw the USA from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Following discussions with his EU colleagues, Solymos said that he believes that the United States will assume its share of responsibility for global developments even after Trump takes over as president. “We must act immediately, as we can observe the devastating effects of climate change even today. The destiny of mankind as a whole is at stake, and we have no right to threaten either this or future generations,” said the Slovak minister.

Solymos also pointed out that due to global warming the world is struggling with abrupt weather changes that bring natural disasters. Extreme droughts, heatwaves and floods have an impact on food supplies and people’s social situation in some parts of the world. All this could lead to armed conflicts, or to even greater migration flows than those witnessed so far. Moreover, polluted air causes health problems among children and adults and increases mortality rates.

“We’re running out of time. However, fighting climate change involves everyone. Everyone must take part in the process according to his or her abilities – from politicians, the private sector, various companies and businesses to ordinary people,” said Solymos.

The 22nd session of the Conference of Parties (COP 22) dedicated to climate change is taking place between November 7-18 in Marrakesh. It’s the first session of the parties involved in the Paris Agreement since it came into force on November 4.