The League Urges Trump Administration to Acknowledge the Impact of Climate Change

League UN Observers for Climate Working with Paris Agreement Parties at International Conference

KATOWICE, POLAND - The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that environmental protection and pollution control are responsibilities shared by all levels of government and should play a major role in setting standards. During the United Nations 24th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, the League strongly encourages cooperation between all parties to the Paris Agreement as they work in cooperation to rapidly reverse the impacts of climate change and avoid devastating consequences. 

The League strongly encourages the United States and other parties to the Paris Agreement to rely on scientific facts and protect human rights, including the protection of the future of our youth who will be left to tend to our world.

The League encourages the Administration to formally welcome the IPCC’s October 2018 Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, thereby validating the role of science in assessing the impact of climate change. The report provides clear scientific backing to support the critical need for countries to scale up climate-related ambitions. While the League is encouraged that most Parties welcomed this report, we are disappointed that the United States is not among those supporting nations. The majority of Americans understand the validity of global warming. The League strongly encourages the Trump Administration to reassess their position in light of the global impact these decisions will have on the global society.

Countries must be thoughtful with their climate actions on behalf of the children and youth of the world. Our children and future generations will face the consequences of climate change if immediate and immense progress is not made toward setting the world on a sustainable course, as stated in the IPCC’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. Our children's futures are jeopardized without thoughtful consideration. 

The League of Women Voters has been associated with the United Nations since 1945. Seventy years ago, Eleanor Roosevelt, as the League of Women Voters Advocacy chair, chaired the United Nations committee drafting the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.  In July 1997, the League was granted Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council. The League membership, through its consensus process, has long advocated for strong policies protecting the environment, human rights, and transparency in governmental actions. 

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Contact: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | [email protected]