The European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) have reaffirmed their strong commitment to full implementation of the Paris agreement, and call on all partners to keep up the momentum created in 2015.
Ahead of the COP23 in November they pledge to work together to finalize the Paris Agreement work programme.
Climate change and renewable energy will figure on the agenda of the upcoming Africa-EU Summit in Abidjan on 29/30 November.
This will be an opportunity to confirm the strong solidarity with those most vulnerable to climate change and the determination to work together to build strong and sustainable economies and societies resilient to climate change.
The European Union and the African Union reaffirm their commitment to continuing to address the adverse effects of climate change on human and animal health, natural ecosystems and other social and economic impacts that threaten our developmental gains as a global community.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States of America from the agreement.
In a nationwide broadcast, President Trump said the US would either seek re-negotiation or remain withdrawn from the agreement that went into effect on November 4, 2016.
The President of the US has, however, faced much criticism on home soil and abroad for backing out of the agreement, with the United Nations calling his withdrawal a “great disappointment”.
“Fortunately, the Paris Agreement is bigger than any one nation or any one government. We can still achieve the promise of Paris, but we have no time to lose.
“Countries around the world must seize the opportunity to unleash this potential, invest in renewable energy that eliminates harmful carbon pollution, and build economies that are more resilient, inclusive and prosperous,” said Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, World Wildlife Fund’s Global Climate & Energy Practice Leader.