Trump’s irrational decision on climate change

Climate change is real.

It shouldn’t need to be said — but considering yesterday’s decision to leave the Paris Climate Agreement, it felt necessary.

Trump’s decision is a tragic one with catastrophic repercussions for our kids and our grandkids. The justifications for this are irrational and fake at best. Trump himself has called climate change a “Chinese hoax.”

It’s wrong for America to abdicate our responsibility to address this planetary crisis. Surely, in 2017, we can all agree that the ability to breathe clean air and live in a safe and healthy environment should be a priority?

I guess not.

Make no mistake: no responsible government official would recommend abandoning the world community on this issue. Our obligation, both as a global leader and as the planet’s second largest polluter, is to combat this threat to public health and safety here at home, and abroad. Retreat should never have been an option. It’s shameful.

I intend to do everything in my power to fight to take action in Washington, as I’ve been doing since you helped send me to the Senate. But I need you to get involved in your local community to pressure your elected officials to take common sense and meaningful steps to reduce carbon pollution and address climate change. If the White House is going to stand in the way of real progress, then we have to create it ourselves.

Additionally, we must flood Congress with calls — so memorize the number (202) 224–3121. Add it to your favorites. Keep up the calls on climate change and so many other key issues. They’re making a difference day-by-day.

And finally, remember that it will be a four year process to withdraw from the Paris Accords. That means that every single time you head to the ballot box between now and then, climate is on the ballot. Your family’s future is on the ballot. And our ability to save our planet is on the ballot.

We can’t despair right now. We have to pick ourselves up to fight back and resist together.

Thanks for all you do.

Kamala Harris

U.S. Senator, California