In an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Robinson expressed concern that if the United States were to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, it would be a tragic situation for both the country and its citizens. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to remove the US from this global climate accord, which was ratified by 193 countries and recently came into effect. The agreement's goal is to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius by transitioning away from fossil fuels. It also includes provisions for $100 billion annually in international funding from 2020 to assist developing nations in transitioning to cleaner energy and adapting to climate change impacts. Despite the potential withdrawal of the US, Robinson remains optimistic that other countries will continue to support the agreement. "I believe that even if a large and significant country decides not to participate, the overall process will not be impacted," she stated at the UN climate talks in Marrakesh. However, a withdrawal could have a significant impact on efforts to secure international finance to assist poorer countries in developing their economies without increasing emissions, she explained. She emphasized the moral responsibility of the United States, as a major historical emitter of greenhouse gases, not to walk away from the Paris agreement. Robinson also expressed empathy for American workers who have lost jobs in polluting industries like coal and supported Trump, calling for assistance in retraining them for jobs in the clean energy sector. She cautioned against reverting to coal and increasing emissions in the United States, as it would negatively affect poor communities and countries globally. In her role as a UN envoy for El Nino and climate change, she recounted her experience in dry regions of Honduras where women expressed the impact of worsening drought on their access to water. The emotional pain on their faces left a lasting impression, especially when one woman expressed, "We have no water." "How can one survive without water?" This question is being asked globally, according to the speaker. If the United States chooses not to embrace clean energy, it would essentially be giving China the opportunity to lead in this important new industry. This is not what many states, businesses, cities, academic communities, and local communities in the United States desire. She encouraged Americans who were unhappy with the proposed changes in US policy to speak out and make their voices heard. She emphasized the need for people and businesses in the United States to make a strong statement about the issue.