Women Faith Leaders Decry U.S. Exit from Paris Climate Accord

November, 4, 2019, NEW YORK – United Methodist Women, the largest denominational laywomen of faith organization, today decried the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Following the Trump administration’s announcement that it would take steps to withdraw from the accord today, Nov. 4, with the final withdrawal date being Nov. 4, 2020, the organization released the following statement:

“As women of faith, United Methodist Women is well aware of the dangers climate change poses to God’s creation,” said Elizabeth Lee, Executive for Economic and Environmental Justice, Climate Justice Lead, and Christian Social Action for United Methodist Women. “The poorest people throughout the world suffer the worst effects of the build-up of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Women comprise the majority of the world’s poor, and women and girls are on the frontlines of coping with the impact of climate change because of their economic and political status and because of the particular roles they play in society. The United States has a unique responsibility to not only stay in the Paris Agreement, but to be a leader in the effort to address climate change due to our cumulative emissions. Instead of pulling out of the agreement, we should focus on ensuring that our transition to a green energy economy is just and equitable for all.”

“Since President Trump initially announced the administration’s plans to leave the Paris Climate Accord at a ceremony in the Rose Garden in 2017, our entire environment has been crying out for him and other leaders to reverse course and act to address climate change,” said Harriett Jane Olson, General Secretary of United Methodist Women. “Each natural disaster, from floods in the Bahamas to the fires in California, are exacerbated by our failure to act decisively on climate change. As an organization devoted to the uplift of women and children, we are pressing our leaders to embrace proven solutions such as clean and renewable energy like solar and wind. As we push for action on climate change, we do so with an eye toward equity. Special attention must be given to ensuring that there is just transition for workers and directly impacted communities.”