Chicago mayor says city to continue cuts in carbon emissions

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord is a poor attempt to pit environmental protection and economic growth against each other.

Emanuel says that is a false choice. He adds Chicago has proved jobs can be created while reducing a carbon footprint and will continue to do both.

The Democrat said Thursday that as the Trump administration pulls back from efforts to fight climate change, the city will “push forward and reduce our fair share of carbon emissions” in line with the agreement.

Emanuel served as White House chief of staff under former President Barack Obama. He contends Chicago reduced its carbon emissions by 7% from 2010 to 2015. He said that occurred as the city saw a 12 per cent growth in the region’s economy and jobs in the city.