The Federation of Belgian Businesses (known as “the FEB”) laments today in a communiqué (Friday) the decision of the American President, Donald Trump, to withdraw from the Paris agreement.
As of now (June 2nd), this has been signed by nearly 200 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change member countries (195), 148 of which have ratified it. Pieter Timmermans, the CEO of the FEB says, “Climate change has no borders and necessitates multilateral agreements. The European Union (‘the EU’) must take the initiative to put, together with other world powers, the problem of climate change at the top of the agenda, and encourage the United States to do so. Climate change is not an ‘alternative fact.’”
The FEB stresses, “With this ‘America First’ policy, Trump is attempting to favour the American economy, precisely at a time when numerous businesses are committed to the transition to a low-carbon society.” The FEB, is calling upon the EU to respect its commitments as regards greenhouse gases, and to maintain pressure on the US, so that the latter reviews its position.
The FEB considers, “Belgium may also contribute to resolving the problem of climate change.” Pieter Timmermans’s conclusion is, “Only a coordinated approach to energy and climate policy may help our country to ensure our security of supply and respect our environmental commitments, and do so at the lowest possible cost. The quicker we reach an inter-federal energy pact, so much the better for all stakeholders. Indeed, both companies and individuals have swift need for clarity in this sphere.”
The Brussels Times
