Laughter as Obama References the Trump Administration

He didn't say Trump's name, but took a swipe at him all the same
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Sep 26, 2018 11:57 AM CDT
Obama Takes Swipe at Trump on the Environment
Former President Barack Obama speaks as he campaigns in support of Pennsylvania candidates in Philadelphia, Friday, Sept. 21, 2018.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Former President Barack Obama took a swipe at President Trump's attitude to the environment Wednesday, saying the world needs "political and social commitment" to achieve sustainability. "Unfortunately we have a US administration that deals differently around these issues," he said to laughter from the audience as he addressed business leaders in the Norwegian capital, Oslo. In a wide-ranging talk, Obama outlined the need for a higher global focus on the environment, greater diversity in business, and the need for technology to solve global problems, reports the AP.

"The single highest priority that I see globally at this point is the issue of environmental sustainability," he said, adding that the Paris Agreement's global climate targets were "a first step in the right direction. But only the first step." He said environmental sustainability would only come when leaders adopted new technologies. "But that takes political and social commitment that right now is not forthcoming." The Obama administration ratified the Paris Agreement in September 2016. President Trump dumped the US commitment in June 2017. Obama made no mention of his successor by name but told the audience at the Oslo Business Forum in the Norwegian Capital that he feared "rising protectionism and authoritarianism" in the US since he left office.

(More President Obama stories.)

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