As anticipated, the second day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, drew strong reactions to U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. European leaders made it clear that they will remain committed to the global climate pact, with European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen declaring, “Europe will stay the course, and keep working with all nations that want to protect nature and stop global warming.” Emphasizing the union's dedication, she stated, “The Paris Agreement continues to be the best hope for all humanity,” as reported by AP News and Los Angeles Times.

The Paris accord aims to limit long-term global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) or, if necessary, to keep temperatures well below 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels. Climate activists made a surprise appearance at the forum, displaying a banner that read, “Tax the super-rich! Fund a just and green future.”

Simon Stiell, the United Nations climate chief, noted that the door remains open for the U.S. to reconsider its stance. He pointed out, “The world is undergoing an energy transition that is unstoppable,” highlighting that in the previous year, over $2 trillion was invested in clean energy, compared to only $1 trillion allocated to fossil fuels.

Stiell also mentioned a phenomenon of “crisis fatigue,” in which climate issues have become less prioritized compared to recent global crises. Nevertheless, he reassured that “the science behind climate hasn’t changed” and the “impacts are simply getting worse.” Belgium’s Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, echoed the sentiment, urging unity within the European Union to avoid adding further uncertainty about climate goals.

Business leaders at Davos supported the commitment to adhering to the global climate framework. Jesper Brodin, the CEO of IKEA, remarked, “We are discovering year by year how we actually can succeed to deliver to the Paris Agreement but actually how it benefits business.”

In contrast, climate scientists and activists from developing nations were critical of the U.S. withdrawal. New Delhi-based Harjeet Singh from the Fossil Fuels Non-Proliferation Treaty stated, “Globally, Trump’s decision undermines the collective fight against climate change at a time when unity and urgency are more critical than ever.” He warned that vulnerable nations, which contribute minimally to global emissions, will face severe repercussions from climate change, such as intensified floods and droughts.

Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and special representative for Sustainable Energy for All, mentioned that global collaboration in tackling climate issues is progressing at a scale that cannot be halted by any one leader or country. Furthermore, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed concerns regarding the U.S.'s exit from the Paris Agreement, asserting that “climate change is a common challenge facing mankind,” and that every country must engage in the fight against it.

For more insights and updates, visit the full articles covered by AP News and Los Angeles Times.