Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Tillerson: US Has a ‘Terrific Record’ in Reducing Greenhouse Emissions | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55375572
Caption:

Rex Tillerson testifies during a confirmation hearing. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque


Washington- After the United States’ recent pull out of the Paris climate agreement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reassured reporters on Friday that the United States will pursue unilateral efforts to curb greenhouse emissions.

Speaking at the reception of Brazil’s Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes in Washington, Tillerson boasted that the US has a “terrific record” in reducing the emissions blamed for global warming.

But, in a nod to concerns that US global leadership has been damaged by the decision to quit the Paris deal, he urged partners “to keep it in perspective.”

“I think it’s important that everyone recognizes that the United States has a terrific record of reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tillerson.

“It’s something I think that we can be proud of, and that was done in the absence of the Paris agreement,” he added.

“I don’t think we’re going to change our ongoing efforts to reduce those emissions in the future either, so hopefully people can keep it in perspective.”

Reports suggest Tillerson was one of the advisers who counselled President Donald Trump not to pull Washington from the accord, fearing a blow to US influence abroad.

But if that was the case, the former oil executive put a brave face on the decision, which has seen Europe and China pull together to renew their support for the 2015 agreement.

“That was a policy decision,” Tillerson told reporters.