Merkel: 'We have to protect Mother Earth' after Trump quits Paris Accord

World leaders reacted with shock and indignation to US President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris agreement. German Chancellor Angela Merkel meanwhile pledged her commitment to combating climate change.

Deutsche Welle, 2 June 2017

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a news conference that following the announcement from President Donald Trump, all remaining parties of the Paris Agreement had to "look to the future."

"We will focus our energies in Germany, the European Union and across the world with more resolve than ever before (…) to overcome these challenges of climate change. We need the Paris Agreement to conserve creation as we know it."

Trump's decision to pull out sent
shockwaves throughout the world

The chancellor went on to say that the German government and Germany as a whole would continue to meet its obligations under the agreement, and live up to its commitments towards assisting developing countries with the challenges they faced with regard to global warming.

"The Paris agreement is a cornerstone of cooperation among the nations of this world. This agreement is indispensable. (…) What we started more than 20 years ago made a quantum leap in Paris and will be a success. The road will be rocky, but there is no turning back. To all those who care deeply about the future of our planet, I say: let us continue together on this path."

Merkel: 'Nothing can and will stop commitment to climate protection'

Merkel also highlighted the fact that several major US businesses had expressed their disagreement with Trump's decision, pledging to continue their commitments to the environment. The chancellor said she felt "enthused about how many companies, especially in the US, want to walk along this path with us."

"The US decision can't and won't stop all those of us who feel obliged to protect the planet."