Silicon Valley unites against Trump's decision to abandon Paris agreement
What's the story
President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the Paris climate change agreement has been condemned by world and business leaders alike. Silicon Valley's reaction has been no different with influential Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella all criticizing Trump. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said he would step down from Trump's economic advisory councils.
Who said what?
Zuckerberg, Pichai, Nadella all criticize Trump's decision
"Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement is bad for the environment, bad for the economy, and it puts our children's future at risk," Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook age. "Disappointed with today's decision. Google will keep working hard for a cleaner, more prosperous future for all," tweeted CEO Pichai. Nadella tweeted that Microsoft believes "climate change is an urgent issue that demands global action."
Quote
Microsoft is "disappointed" by Trump's decision
"We are disappointed with today's decision by the White House to withdraw the United States from the landmark, globally supported Paris Agreement on climate change," wrote Brad Smith, Microsoft's chief legal officer. He said the agreement would benefit the US economy and businesses.
HP/Amazon react
HP and Amazon reaffirm support to Paris agreement
Both Amazon and HP have released statements reaffirming their support for the Paris climate change agreement. "Climate change is one of the most significant and urgent issues facing business and society today," wrote HP, adding that "the need to act is essential." Amazon wrote that "robust clean energy and climate policies can support American competitiveness, innovation and job growth."
Elon Musk reacts
Tesla/SpaceX CEO Musk quits Trump's presidential advisory council
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said he's quitting Donald Trump's advisory council because of the President's decision. Musk had tweeted: "Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world." Musk had earlier threatened to quit if Trump ignored his advice. Musk was a key tech industry advisor for the White House.
Apple's attempts
Apple CEO Tim Cook tried convincing Trump to reconsider decision
Prior to Trump's announcement today, several business and tech leaders reportedly called him to convince him against going ahead with the withdrawal. Apple CEO Tim Cook was among those who called Trump. "Climate change is real and we all share a responsibility to fight it," Cook told Apple employees in an email on June 1, in which he confirmed his phone call with Trump.