Trump blames India for pollution, says US has 'cleanest climate'
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump doesn't need to prove he's dumber than we already know, but he continues setting new lows for humankind. Recently, Trump blamed India, China, and Russia for worsening air and water quality. Incidentally, Trump also thinks climate change is a hoax! Let that sink in, which should be pretty easy considering sea levels are rising at alarming rates.
Details
Trump held discussions on climate change with Prince Charles
In an ITV interview, Trump detailed his talks with Prince Charles of the Royal Family during his three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. On climate change discussions with Prince Charles, Trump placed blame on India, China and Russia specifically for having "not very good air, not very good water, and the sense of pollution." He also claimed that America has the "cleanest climates."
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Trump claims US climate 'getting better'
"China, India, Russia, many other nations, they have not very good air, not very good water, and the sense of pollution. If you go to certain cities, you can't even breathe. They don't do the responsibility," Trump said. He claimed that statistics indicate the US has "among the cleanest climates." He added that "it's getting better," because they "want the cleanest water."
Fact
Here's how US actually contributes to global climate change
Of the leading causes that have resulted in global climate change is the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, known as the "Lungs of the Earth" for absorbing 25% of global carbon emissions. Deforestation for cattle ranching to feed the growing beef demand is one of the main reasons for the destruction of the Amazon. Guess who's the biggest importer of beef? The United States.
Information
Notably, anti-Trump protests held during state visit
Coming back to Trump, he was in Portsmouth, UK, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings- one of the most definitive battles of World War II. During the visit, Portsmouth witnessed several anti-Trump protests. Images of 'Trump baby blimp' were also plastered.
Recent events
Trump's stand on climate change threat to the world: Academics
Meanwhile, in a letter to the British PM Theresa May, 250 academicians urged her to "robustly challenge" Trump's take on climate change. The letter claimed Trump's refusal to fight climate change is a "threat to the whole world" and is "increasing risks for lives and livelihoods." PM May held talks on climate change among other concerns with Trump on the state visit.
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'Global warming wasn't working so now they say extreme weather'
Reflective of his 2018 sentiments, when he accused climate change scientists of having a "political agenda," Trump said, "Don't forget, it used to be called global warming, that wasn't working, then it was called climate change, now it's actually called extreme weather because with extreme weather you can't miss." Prince Charles, who has spoken passionately for environment sustainability, reportedly failed to change Trump's views.
History
Trump blamed India in 2017 too while exiting Paris accord
Back in 2017 as well, while withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, the US President had blamed India among other countries for worsening climate. Fact-check: As per Earth System Science Date, the US continues to rank above other countries for per person amount of such carbon emitted each year in 2018. However, India's increase in carbon emissions that year was the highest, at 6.3%.
Other happenings
Trump praised Queen, defended 'nasty' remark on Meghan Markle
Trump otherwise remained on "good behavior." He praised Queen Elizabeth II during a banquet at Buckingham Palace on Monday, for repairing a military truck engine during World War II. "That young mechanic was the future queen- that great, great woman," he said. Trump also clarified his "nasty" remarks against Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who has been critical of him in the past.
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Trump blamed 'fake news media' for 'nasty' debacle
"I wasn't referring to she's nasty, I said she was nasty about me, and essentially I didn't know she was nasty about me," Trump said, blaming "fake news media" for the debacle and adding, "She's doing a good job, I hope she enjoys her life."