"From a technology perspective, in our view, we're almost at the point where technologies are driving the right outcome."

Origin Energy chief executive Frank Calabria insisted the deal remains "the most significant milestone to date on collective international action to address climate change" even after the decision announced overnight Australian time by Mr Trump, which has been met with almost universal dismay by business and political leaders.

"Origin is acutely aware of the views of our customers, shareholders, employees and the community at large," Mr Calabria said.

"They overwhelmingly believe climate change is real and expect urgent action to address it."

BHP chief executive Andrew Mackenzie personally asked Trump not to reject Paris. Carla Gottgens

In the US, Disney chief executive Bob Iger resigned from President Trump's White House Advisory Council in protest, while Tesla chief executive Elon Musk tweeted he was "departing presidential councils".

"Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world," Mr Musk tweeted.

Isabelle Kocher, global chief executive of Engie, owner of the Loy Yang B coal-fired power station in Victoria, tweeted she "deeply regrets" the US decision but added: "Nonetheless, this will not stop the energy revolution."


Engie is pulling out of coal generation completely and in March shut the huge Hazelwood brown coal station, also in the Latrobe Valley. It has put Loy Yang B up for sale.

"Origin is acutely aware of the views of our customers, shareholders, employees and the community at large," Origin's Frank Calabria said. Christopher Pearce

Alinta Energy chief executive Jeff Dimery voiced concern that President Trump's step could make it more difficult to get the policy certainty investors here need.

"I would hate that that becomes an excuse for the Australian government to step away from its own commitments because all that would ultimately do is provide even greater uncertainty in the energy space," Mr Dimery said.

"We're already seeing the market implications of either bad or non policy over the past decade: anything that adds to that is not a good thing."

Mr Trump's move came after major US oil giants ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips restated their support for the 2015 Paris accord, under which 195 nations have committed to taking action on greenhouse gas emissions to try to limit global warming to less than 2°C. Shell said it had also informed the US administration of its "strong support" for the US staying in the pact.

Elon Musk downplayed the potential for human conflict on Mars, calling it "pretty open territory". Bloomberg

Australia's Chief Scientist Alan Finkel also weighed into the discussion, saying the electricity sector would need to do its "fair share" to help, needing some impost on carbon pollution.


Some long-term investors expressed consternation at the US decision, with Cbus Super chairman Steve Bracks saying "now is not the time to walk away from a global response" that sets out a pathway to the sub-2°C climate goal.

"Investors fought long and hard for a strong and effective climate change agreement in Paris," said Frank Pegan, chief executive of Catholic Super and chair of the Investor Group on Climate Change, which includes Cbus and IFM Investors.

"It is now up to governments to stand by the commitments they made and implement their national plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the physical impacts of climate change," Mr Pegan said.

Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has reiterated Australia remains committed to its Paris targets.

IFM Investors' head of responsible investment, Chris Newton, said it was "essential" for decision makers in policy areas to take the same long-term approach as in financial markets and boardrooms.

"Understanding and managing for the impact of climate change on assets is clearly stated in our Responsible Investment charter," Mr Newton said.

"These are not just words for us, they are a part of our long-term investment view."

BHP's Mr Mackenzie told ABC 730 on Wednesday evening he had personally told President Trump it was possible to remain in the Pars accord while being "pro coal".

He said BHP wanted to see a price on carbon globally as the best way of achieving the goals set in the Paris agreement.

The spokeswoman said BHP's commitment to the Paris goals were shown in the analysis it had done to test its portfolio against the 2°C goal.