New Jersey: June 5, 2017. (PCP) This century presents the greatest moral challenge than any other due to environmental changes of the Earth caused by humans. The American Sikh Council (ASC) condemns in the strongest possible terms President Trump’s decision to default on the pledge made by the United States to the Paris Climate Accord, a treaty signed by 195 nations and formally endorsed by 147 nations. By backing out of the Paris Climate Accord, President Trump has not only weakened America but has failed the American people miserably. America has always prided itself as the moral compass of the world by taking the high road and doing the right thing. The asinine decision by President Trump to opt out of one of the most important global agreements makes the United States look immature and greedy. The decision is wrong from every pertinent standpoint. The US has about 5% of the world’s population yet contributing to over 25% of the world’s pollution, therefore has an ethical obligation to lead the rest of the world in not only finding practical solutions in reducing carbon emissions, but also leading by example to empower other nations. As a national religious body the American Sikh Council (ASC) takes a steadfast stand on protecting the environment as it enshrined in the fundamental principles of our holy scripture, the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahibji’. ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥ pavan guroo paanee pitaa maataa Dharat mahat. ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ॥ divas raat du-ay daa-ee daa-i-aa khaylai sagal jagat. (SGGS p.8) Air is our Guru, water our father, and great earth is our mother; Day and night are the male and female nurses, in whose lap the whole world plays. ਪਉਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਧਰਤੀ ਆਕਾਸੁ ਘਰ ਮੰਦਰ ਹਰਿ ਬਨੀ ॥ pa-un paanee Dhartee aakaas ghar mandar har banee. (SGGS p.723) Air, water, earth and sky - the Lord has made these His home and temple. The importance of air, water and the Earth to life are emphasized over and over again in the Sri Guru Granth Sahibji. The earth is referred to as the mother and as such requires our respect. Great care needs to be taken to ensure that no damage occurs in any shape or form otherwise we all will have to pay the piper. President Trumps’ decision undermines political credibility, especially when global warming is a scientifically proven fact. Furthermore, the near term and especially long term health ramification cannot be fathomed. The American Sikh Council (ASC) humbly requests everyone to step up and make every effort to protect our environment which is in dire straits. The American Sikh Council not only calls on its own members across the nation but also those of other Faith organizations to join hands in putting pressure on President Trump through their respective elected officials to reverse his decision before all is lost.