The United States has formally withdrawn from the United Nations Paris Agreement. Aimed at combatting climate change through limiting global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, stakeholders in the US and beyond took the pledge in 2015.

Radio Islam’s Junaid Kharsany chats to Zeenit Abdul, Associate Public Information Officer at the UN who gives some insight into the matter.

Abdul says the UN is disappointed to have received notice of withdrawal this week from the US, as the 50 state nation is regarded as a super power, whose involvement and commitment to the cause is highly valued.

According to Abdul the UN released a statement alongside Italy, Chile, France and the UK, saying while they note with regret the departing of the US from the agreement, they remain committed to their pledge to keep temperature rise below 2°C and global warming below 1.5°C. The UN spokesperson says that the support and need for a strong Paris agreement remains unchanged.

While withdrawal is allowed, conditions state that parties may only withdraw after being a member of the accord for more than three years.

The US withdrawal will take effect 12 months after official notification was received as per the agreement.

By Naadiya Adams