Last edited 24 Jan 2021

BSRIA respond to President Trump's decision on the Paris Accord

BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) is a non-profit distributing, member-based association, providing specialist services in construction and building services.

On 2 June 2017, BSRIA reacted with disappointed to President Trump's decision that the USA will leave the Paris Climate Deal Agreement.

The Paris Agreement is a climate deal that puts the world on a sustainable low-carbon path. Governments agreed to limit the increase in global warming to 1.5°c above pre-industrial levels. Countries promised to try to bring global emissions down from peak levels as soon as possible. That means getting to “net zero emissions” between 2050 and 2100. 187 countries have put forward plans to cut emissions beyond 2020, as far out as 2030, and the text has a mechanism to ramp up pledges every five years.

Trump’s decision is a huge blow to collective action and the global importance of the agreement and its role for renewable technologies. The move signals both a practical and a philosophical attempt to change the US narrative on climate change.

Julia Evans, BSRIA Chief Executive, said:

“It is extremely regrettable and disappointing that President Trump has decided not to stick to the path in combatting climate change. This worrying u-turn is a huge blow to the policies aimed at improving climate change and the associated agenda around renewable technologies. Clearly, this represents a missed opportunity for such renewable technology.

“But – as part of a worldwide industry – we can’t let this decision steamroll or derail future technology in renewables and the move to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon usage in the built environment. BSRIA is committed to supporting the UK government in reducing carbon and, indeed, its position on this.

“The importance of long term thinking in an industry where buildings last hundreds of years and their contribution to climate change – but also their resilience to the impacts of climate change – should never be underestimated.

“In years to come – the decision and subsequent consequences made by President Trump – may find itself on the wrong side of history.

“When the Paris Summit Agreement was made in December 2015, most of the world signed up to play its part in halting climate change – including the US. Global warming is a real problem, as an industry we have the skills, technology and the desire to make a difference. BSRIA said then that the deal must provide a stable environment that enables investment in cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy generation, including renewable and clean technologies.”