France's environment minister, Nicolas Hulot, abruptly resigned today, announcing on national radio that he could not in good conscience remain in a government that is moving so slowly on climate change. Hulot is a prominent, respected figure, and the move is a blow to President Emmanuel Macron, who pitches himself as a climate leader, especially in contrast to President Trump and his decision to leave the Paris climate deal. Hulot was emotional during the interview, saying he had not told his wife or Macron that he planned to leave. He said he felt unable to make necessary change, even as the environment chief. "I no longer want to lie to myself," he said. "I don't want to create the illusion that my presence on government means that we're up to standards on these issues, and so I am deciding to quit the government."
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