Contact:
Arnice Cottom, 202-777-3913
Statement by APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD
“President Trump’s decision today to formally withdraw the nation from the Paris climate agreement and relinquish U.S. leadership on climate action will have devastating consequences for human health.
"U.S. withdrawal from the climate accord will both undermine our country’s leadership and jeopardize the nation’s health. As a leading producer of greenhouse gases, the U.S. will now join only a handful of countries that have spurned global commitments to fight the climate crisis and minimize health threats.
"Climate change is already harming human health, and the effects are only expected to worsen with time. A changing climate threatens food supplies, water systems and air quality and contributes to the spread of infectious disease.
"President Trump’s decision does not reflect the meaningful climate change action that is taking place at the regional, state and local level. APHA stands with the public health community, individuals, organizations, businesses and governments that continue to act at the state and local level to address the climate crisis.”
###
APHA champions the health of all people and all communities. We strengthen the public health profession. We speak out for public health issues and policies backed by science. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public's health. Visit us at www.apha.org.