A White House source confirmed on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump intends to pull out of the Paris climate agreement and Trump himself tweeted he will announce his decision later on Thursday.
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani was among the first to voice disquiet at the news, saying, "I am very concerned by the US administration's possible withdrawal from the Paris agreement on climate change. The fight against global warming is a major challenge which concerns all nations. It is our moral duty to leave a safer, healthier planet to future generations."
The Italian deputy added, "Climate change is not a fairy tale. It is a tough reality which affects peoples' daily lives. People die or are obliged to leave their homes because of desertification, lack of water, exposure to disease, extreme weather conditions. If we don't act swiftly and boldly, the huge human and economic cost will continue to increase.
"The EU must continue to be at the forefront. Our longstanding commitment and determination is an example. We will not miss the opportunity that the Paris agreement represents for our citizens, our environment and our economy."
German MEP Peter Liese, EPP group spokesperson in the environment committee, commented, "Whatever his decision, the Paris agreement will survive Donald Trump because the rest of the world will continue and stick to its commitment.
"The agreement will not only survive Trump but, as a cornerstone of international climate policy, will survive us all. It will continue to guide the world when nobody is speaking about Donald Trump anymore."
He added, "We need to react now. There can be no doubt that Europe, alongside all the other major players, will continue its climate policy but it is even more important to protect our industry from carbon leakage. Parliament adopted several amendments proposed by the EPP group to the emissions trading system in order to better protect the industry that is using the latest technology and in international competition.
"The Council of Ministers needs to agree to these amendments and we need to consider further action", said Liese, who called for a strong reaction on the part of the EU.
Gianni Pittella, Chair of Parliament's S&D group, said Trump's withdrawal from the Paris agreement was "a historic and terrific blow to the future of humanity and the next generations. It actually does not come as a surprise as we have come to expect nothing better from Trump and 'Trumpism'.
"The world is now more fragile. Europe, European citizens and European politicians should finally learn this lesson and think twice before voting for populist movements, whose totally irresponsible actions can push us to the edge of disaster."
ALDE group MEP Gerben Jan Gerbrandy tweeted, "Foreseen US withdrawal from Paris agreement means just one thing: 'Trump first, the American people second'."
Greens/EFA group member Bas Eickhout said, "It is astonishing that Trump is considering pulling out of one of the most important global tasks ahead of us in fighting climate change. Trump's action is both economically and environmentally backward looking.
"At the latest G7 summit it already became clear how alone Trump stands. Now he is close to pulling out of the Paris agreement, he chooses to stand together with Syria and Nicaragua. We need all parties to stand together. France and Germany in particular have key roles to play with regard to the next
UN climate conference. It's of critical importance that financial support for the climate fund does not cease."
His group colleague Yannick Jadot, a Vice-Chair of Parliament's international trade committee, said, "This shows how President Trump appears to be going further down the road with an outdated economic model. In today's world, it is not an option to separate the fight against climate change from the economy. Governments must tackle the two issues hand in hand.
"Instead of throwing millions of dollars into subsidies for coal power, President Trump should take the opportunity to put climate protection in place. This would generate much bigger opportunities for job creation and the economy as a whole."
Meanwhile, GUE/NGL group deputy Marisa Matias said, "Until now, combating climate change has been a serious issue within the EU. What we are witnessing here today is a 'Trumpisation' of European policies. I'm now left waiting for the moment when the EU will also say that climate change is a fabrication."
Parliament gave the green light to the ratification of the Paris agreement in October 2016.