New York Defies Trump's Climate Stance By Lighting Landmarks Green

NEW YORK CITY – New York City landmarks were lit up green Thursday night in an act of defiance toward President Donald Trump's stance on climate change.

Just hours after Trump declared America's withdrawal from the Paris Accord – an international agreement that bound almost every country in the world in promising to cut greenhouse gas emissions – New York's leaders declared they stood with Paris.

Until Thursday, only Nicaragua and Syria hadn't signed up to the accord.

City Hall, the Kosciuszko Bridge and One World Trade were among the landmarks that shone green as Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo said they would keep to the accord, despite the leader of the nation's refusal.

“President Trump can turn his back on the world, but the world cannot ignore the very real threat of climate change," de Blasio said.

"This decision is an immoral assault on the public health, safety and security of everyone on this planet."

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Cuomo joined leaders of California and Washington State to form the "United States Climate Alliance," a group which aims to further the accord's policies.

“The White House’s reckless decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement has devastating repercussions not only for the United States, but for our planet," Cuomo said.

Trump pulled out of the accord because it was costing the U.S. trillions of dollars and damaging the nation's economy, he said.

"I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," he added.

Hours later, hundreds of people rallied in Foley Square to protest the decision.

Main image of the Kosciuszko Bridge by Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo