ALERT: Deep concern of France and some countries regarding the attitude of the United States
Latest Developments:
International observers are closely monitoring the latest developments as new information continues to emerge.
France, joined by several countries, “expressed its deep concern” about the “progressive disappearance of references to climate change” in the work of the Antarctic Treaty. A worrying development as the United States turns away from it in certain international bodies. The scene played out in May, during a conference organized in the Hiroshima region in Japan. The 29 member countries, engaged in research on the white continent, participated, in parallel with a meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection. Discussions behind closed doors, the report of which has just been published. Paris warns of a “dangerous precedent” In this official document, the French position is clearly formulated. “France stressed that climate change was a reality affecting all countries, regardless of their borders.” Paris goes further. “Refusing to even name climate change set a dangerous precedent,” the minutes warn. France judges that this is “a worrying development for the credibility of a committee whose work was based on scientific facts and that it sent a negative message for its future”. A statement supported by most countries. The document does not cite any country by name. But he specifies that the United States preferred to insist on “taking into account the impacts of specific changes on the Antarctic environment”, rather than on climate change. An accepted line in discussions about emperor penguins. Washington wants “the recommendations to explicitly refer to the reduction of sea ice rather than to climate change more generally”. A semantic shift far from trivial. A subject avoided until the G7 This repositioning is part of a broader trend. Donald Trump’s United States no longer participates directly in the climate COPs or in the work of the IPCC. During the G7 under French presidency, the negotiators even avoided putting climate on the agenda so as not to risk offending the American president. Despite everything, the United States remains involved in the Antarctic Treaty.
What Happens Next:
This event is already generating discussion among political analysts and international organizations worldwide.
Observers believe further developments could significantly shape the direction of this story in the near future.
More details may emerge as official sources continue releasing new information.
Source: This article was originally published by 20Minutes – Actu Monde and adapted for our international English-speaking audience.
Read the original article here.