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Obama Advises Britain to Stay in the E.U.; The Artist's Last Days; Actors Narrate Climate Videos; Aired 12-12:30a ET

Aired April 23, 2016 - 00:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


[00:00:00]

NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Barack Obama warns against a Brexit. But not everyone welcomes the U.S. president's intervention on the U.K.'s future in Europe.

Law officials speak about the death of Prince. And CNN traces his last days of life.

And: consensus in the fight against climate change on Earth Day. We look at why that's only the start of the challenge.

It's all ahead here on CNN NEWSROOM. Thanks for joining us. We're live in Atlanta. I'm Natalie Allen.

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ALLEN: As the future of Britain's E.U. membership hangs in the balance, the U.S. president has intervened in the debate. Barack Obama is urging Britain to vote to stay inside the 28-member bloc. The referendum is set for June.

Mr. Obama warned that leaving the European Union would have consequences for a U.S.-British relationship that is often described as special.

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BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm not coming here to fix any votes. I'm not casting a vote myself. I'm offering my opinion. And in democracies, everybody should want more information, not less. And you shouldn't be afraid to hear an argument being made. That's not a threat. That should enhance the debate.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: The remarks came Friday during a news conference with British prime minister David Cameron. Mr. Obama's pro-E.U. stance is being praised by some while critics are asking him to butt out of U.K. affairs. Here is international diplomatic editor Nic Robertson.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR (voice-over): On the chilliest of streets, the warmest of welcomes. President Obama, a friend for British prime minister David Cameron just when he needed one the most.

The American president wading into the hottest political debate this tiny island has seen in decades: in or out of the European Union, backing Cameron's In campaign.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We're more prosperous when one of our best friends and closest allies has a strong, stable, growing economy. Americans want Britain's influence to grow, including within Europe.

ROBERTSON (voice-over): So, intent on keeping the U.K. in Europe, Obama writing a emotive letter to Cameron's wavering heartland in the shires of England.

"The tens of thousands of Americans who rest in Europe's cemeteries are a silent testament to just how intertwined our prosperity and security truly are."

But when pressed on what a vote to leave might mean, a stark warning.

OBAMA: Maybe some point down the line there might be a U.K.-U.S. trade agreement. But it's not going to happen anytime soon because our focus is in negotiating with a big bloc of the European Union to get a trade agreement done. And U.K. is going to be in the back of the queue.

ROBERTSON (voice-over): On streets of the capital, most happy for the world's most powerful politician to get involved.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I definitely, definitely want us to stay in. So I'm happy for him to say that. And my thinking is important that our biggest trading partner outside the E.U. is supportive of us staying in.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've got no idea what this -- has been researched or how much thought he's given to it. But he's got every right to weigh in, in my opinion.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have always been close with America. It's ridiculous to think that he shouldn't have a say. I mean, he doesn't have a direct say but he should have an opinion.

ROBERTSON (voice-over): Not so for their flamboyant mayor, Boris Johnson, a leader of the Out campaign.

BORIS JOHNSON, MAYOR OF LONDON: I think what perhaps our friends in America don't appreciate is that the E.U. has really changed in the last 43 years. It has become something else. And it's something to which the Americans would never submit their own democracy.

ROBERTSON (voice-over): Polls put both In and Out too close to call. Voting two months away. The PM seemingly happy for the timely help.

DAVID CAMERON, PRIME MINISTER, GREAT BRITAIN: Britain's membership of the E.U. gives us a powerful tool to deliver on the prosperity and security that our people need and to stand up for the values that our countries share.

And now I think is a time to stay true to those values and to stick together with our friends and allies in Europe and around the world.

ROBERTSON: If nothing else, President Obama has drawn the big guns of the Brexit fight out onto the field of battle, armed with their sharpest prose -- Nic Robertson, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Those remarks from President Obama you just heard in Nick's report about the --

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ALLEN: -- U.K. going to the back of the queue ruffled some feathers. Twitter blew up with angry comebacks from the U.K. Here is a sample.

"While at the back of your queue, you will be at the back of ours while we create India and China trade."

And this one: "Obama sticking his hooter in the Brexit debate, well, I suggest the USA become part of the United Kingdom again. How'd you like them apples?"

And one more: "I think Obama and U.K. should go queue up at an airport and bugger off back to the U.S. Keep his nose out of U.K. business."

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ALLEN (voice-over): As fans continue to mourn the loss of music legend Prince, the sheriff investigating his death says no stone will be left unturned. He says there was no obvious sign of trauma, no indication of suicide.

The medical examiner has finished the autopsy. But it could be weeks before the results are complete. Prince died Thursday inside an elevator on his Minnesota estate. He was 57.

Kyung Lah joins us now. She is outside Paisley Park there in Minnesota.

And, Kyung, what more were authorities able to tell us about the circumstances of Prince's death?

KYUNG LAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, investigators are playing it very close to the vest right now, Natalie. What they are trying to do and focusing on is the timeline.

Where exactly was Prince in those final days and weeks leading up to his death?

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KELLY COLLINS (PH), PRINCE FAN: I looked outside and saw a gentleman riding a bike. And noticed right away that it was Prince.

LAH (voice-over): Kelly Collins (ph) seeing what she and others at the mall say was their famous neighbor couldn't resist recording, even though he indicated he didn't want to be filmed.

COLLINS (PH): I couldn't believe that I was looking at him, especially after hearing that he had just not been feeling well the day before.

LAH (voice-over): That video taken on Saturday, just five days before Prince's death. Prince had not been feeling well for weeks. On April 7th, anxious fans in Atlanta with tickets to see Prince learned two shows that night are postponed. According to the Fox Theater, "Prince is ill, battling the flu."

But one week later, April 14th, Prince takes the stage in Atlanta: the makeup concerts, two shows, 80-minute sets. No sign of illness. He finishes to a standing ovation.

(APPLAUSE)

Prince seems to relish the moment, tweeting, "I am transformed."

The next day, April 15th, Prince is flying home to Minneapolis. His private jet makes an unexpected detour, an emergency landing in Moline, Illinois, rushed to the hospital. But Prince doesn't stay long, instead, continuing his flight back to Minneapolis.

The next day, Saturday, April 16th, is when Kelly Collins (ph) says she sees Prince on that bike ride.

LAH: He didn't look ill at all?

COLLINS (PH): He looked like Prince. Yes. He looked really good.

LAH: Did anything appear wrong with his health?

COLLINS (PH): No. I was actually shocked to see him riding his bike after learning that, just the day before, you know, his plane had landed and he wasn't doing well.

LAH (voice-over): That same day, Prince posts this announcement, an impromptu dance party at his residence, Paisley Park. Michael Holtz (ph), who has deejayed 2 dozen times for Prince at his intimate parties, went as a spectator to the Saturday night gathering.

Prince speaks to the small crowd of about 200 people for 20 minutes, he says.

MICHAEL HOLTZ (PH), DEEJAY: He addressed the crowd. He is like, hey, you know, if you hear any news, give it a couple days before you waste any prayers.

LAH: How did he look Saturday versus the other times?

HOLTZ (PH): Just the same. Yes, just the same towards the only time I see him. He was always healthy looking and always energetic. And you know, he was definitely a worker. I mean, he had that worker mentality. Like, he -- nothing is going to keep him down. You know, and I thought, we're going to see Prince well into his 80s.

LAH (voice-over): The next day, Sunday, April 17th, Prince tweets, #FeelingRejuvenated, feeling well enough that he heads out to a local live music spot.

LAH: Tuesday night Prince came here to the Dakota Jazz Club. He sat at this table, watched some live music and talked to the staff. They say nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was here for that show on Tuesday.

LAH: And everything seemed fine and normal?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's like any other night when he would come.

LAH (voice-over): The sheriff's department says, the next night, Wednesday, April 20th, Prince is dropped off at his home at 8:00 pm. He spends the night alone. No one is concerned until the next morning, when employees candidate can't reach him.

They find him collapse in an elevator. Then a panicked call to 9-1-1.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (from captions): Person down, not breathing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (from captions): CPR started.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (from captions): 10-4, CPR started.

LAH (voice-over): The CPR fails. He is pronounced dead at 10:07 Thursday morning.

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LAH (voice-over): There remain big gaps in Prince's last days.

Did he visit any doctors?

Did he take any prescriptions?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That is part of the investigation. And that would be our normal protocol.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LAH: Now the autopsy was conducted today. The medical examiner is awaiting the toxicology report. All of this to be released, Natalie, in the coming days. But it could take weeks -- Natalie.

ALLEN: Kyung Lah, thanks so much.

Coming up later, we will show you how the world has been paying tribute to the life and legacy of Prince. Plus: an historic accord to slow down global warming; 175 nations, including the U.S., sign on at the United Nations. But this is only the first step.

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ALLEN: Welcome back to CNN NEWSROOM.

World leaders say they're making strides to protect the planet. The United Nations says 175 countries signed a historic pact on climate change, fittingly on Earth Day.

The Paris agreement aims to keep global warming below a 2-degree Celsius increase from pre-industrial levels. U.S. secretary of state John Kerry held his granddaughter as he signed the accord.

Countries still must ratify the deal for it to take effect. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, an official U.N. Messenger of Peace, focusing on climate change, told world leaders they are providing hope.

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LEONARDO DICAPRIO, ACTOR AND U.N. MESSENGER OF PEACE: An upheaval, a massive change is required right now, one that leads to a new collective consciousness, a new collective evolution of the human race, inspired and enabled by a sense of urgency from all of you.

We all know that reversing the course of climate change will not be easy. But the tools are in our hands if we apply them before it is too late.

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ALLEN: Leonardo DiCaprio urging world leaders to stop global warming. One non-profit environmental group is enlisting other celebrities to help as part of its Nature Is Speaking campaign. Actress Reese Witherspoon narrated this clip, called "Home," produced by Conservation International.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

REESE WITHERSPOON, ACTOR (voice-over): I am home. I give you comfort. I shelter your family. See me for who I am, home, sweet home.

I am your refuge. I am the floor that supports you, the foundation that keeps you steady, the walls that give you shelter the roof that protects you.

I am your home. [00:15:00]

WITHERSPOON (voice-over): If you don't take care of me, I cannot take care of you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: That video we just saw is part of the Nature Is Speaking video series. That was actress Reese Witherspoon doing the voiceover, produced by Conservation International. And joining me now is the CEO of that organization, Peter Seligmann.

Thanks for being with us, Peter.

PETER SELIGMANN, CEO, CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL: You're very welcome.

ALLEN: I want to talk about your video series in a moment. But I want to start with a major world event that occurred this Earth Day, more than 170 countries signing the climate deal, the biggest turnout ever for a signing ceremony. And the goal is to get off fossil fuels.

Can we achieve that?

SELIGMANN: Definitely we will have to achieve it. It's not only the biggest event; it is probably the greatest agreement that humankind has ever reached. So it's a huge deal. It's a massive market signal.

And we're going to succeed. We're going to have to focus on renewables; we'll have to tax carbon and we're going to also, also we're going to have to make certain that every single country on Earth focuses on protecting nature because actually the only way we can solve the climate issue is if we embrace and include nature's own solutions as part of the path forward.

Forests have to be protected so that we can eliminate emissions from the burning of forests. And we have big trees to absorb carbon. The same with oceans. We have got a huge opportunity to succeed. We got to go all cylinders fast forward now.

ALLEN: All right. So let's talk more about the big picture. Last year, the warmest on record; year before that was the warmest. This year so far it's warmer than last year.

And let's talk about what's doing that. We'll look up and down. First, let's start down. You mentioned the oceans. They are warming.

What does that do?

And also, a report this week said we will have more plastic in the ocean than fish soon. So pollution is doing a double whammy on our oceans.

SELIGMANN: Yes. Oceans are really being hit extremely hard. Look, 91 percent or 92 percent of the Great Barrier Reef coral is now beginning to bleach. We have a huge challenge with coral bleach. Plastics, we're going to have three times as much plastic in the ocean

in 35 years. We have got a huge problem with that. In fact, our estimate is that, by 2050, the total amount of plastic in the ocean will exceed the biomass of fish in the ocean. So we've got to change the way we do business.

ALLEN: I want to look up now and talk about what's in the air. Last year, we covered it extensively here, the fires that Indonesia sets on purpose to clear the forests. Rain Forest Action Network says 1.7 billion tons of carbon went into the air from those fires. And that was more pollution in the first three weeks of Germany's entire annual emissions.

Why is that still happening?

SELIGMANN: Economics: it's basically -- most of those fires are set to clear land so you can grow palm oil. And palm oil is an oil that's in so many commercial products.

You actually don't have to burn forests to grow oil. You just have to do a better job where you are growing it. So good news, President Widodo of Indonesia has just banned all new palm oil concessions. Now we need to really support his efforts and enforce that.

ALLEN: I want to run another clip from your Nature Is Speaking series before we close and talk about it. Here it is.

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JULIA ROBERTS, ACTOR (voice-over): I have fed species greater than you. And I have starved species greater than you. My oceans, my soil, my flowing streams, my forests, they all can take you or leave you.

How you choose to live each day, whether you regard or disregard me, doesn't really matter to me. One way or the other, your actions will determine your fate, not mine. I am nature. I will go on. I am prepared to evolve.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: All right. That was actress Julia Roberts voicing that one. And, Peter, I think I read that that's had tens of millions of hits and the series has many people on board. And you are producing many of these videos, that nature doesn't need us; we need nature.

SELIGMANN: That's exactly right. Yes. So that series --

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SELIGMANN: -- has had billions of hits. And the bottom line is simply that people need to understand that humanity needs nature to thrive.

The good news is that we're talking about it. The bad news is that so many people think that their water comes from a tap and their food comes from a grocery store. And they don't understand yet. And this is the biggest challenge we have.

They don't understand that water comes from forests, aquifers, rivers and lakes. And your food comes from rich, healthy soil, pollinators and you need forests to achieve that.

So if we can get the public to get that, we actually will turn governments around. The good news, every government, every good business and every community is now aware of these challenges. And the conversation has become global. That's why I'm optimistic.

ALLEN: Peter Seligmann, Conservation International, thank you so much for joining us. And all the best this year in doing the work that you do.

SELIGMANN: Thank you very much. We will succeed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: We hope so. There's some optimism there. But plenty of challenges ahead.

And meteorologist Derek Van Dam has been coverage that events of today and looking at the numbers.

DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: It's good to see world leaders putting pen to paper.

Now, today with the agreement on Paris, an agreement that took place in December of 2015. But I find it ironic, Natalie, that we are coming off of the warmest year on record. And 2016 is actually paling in comparison to the heat that was produced in 2015, so much so that that is going to be a major concern, considering that the optimistic values for the Paris agreement was to keep or curb our global warming to below 1.5 degrees.

Of course, we all signed the paperwork for 2 degrees. But 1.5 degrees was that optimistic number. But it doesn't look like we will get anywhere near that because 2016 is already at just over 1.2 degrees Celsius. And that's a significant increase from what 2015 was, 2014 was and 2010, the three hottest years on record.

2016, again, paling in comparison. Lots of climate milestones have actually taken place since December, when countries came together in Paris for COP 21. Here is one of them.

We have had 11 consecutive months of the hottest temperatures ever recorded during those months. And over the past three months, the first three months of 2016, we have already experienced the hottest months on record going into this year. So starting off the year on a bad note, unfortunately.

Now there's plenty of ways to gauge the heat across the planet. One of them is the arctic sea ice extent. We talk about that once we get into the spring and summer season, because the ice eventually reaches its maximum and then starts to recede. And that's when scientists actually measure the square kilometers. And it's interesting to note that this year, compared to average, 1.12

million square kilometers below that average. And we all know when we combine that with melting glaciers what that can mean for some of our coastal cities, including places like Houston and into Sydney, for example.

And unfortunately, the United States just had a round of extreme flooding, catastrophic flooding in Houston in fact. And we have also seen this, downpours just increase across the United States since pre- industrial era.

Let me take a look -- let's look at some of the video footage coming from Houston because this just gives you an example of some of the extreme frequency of heavy rain events that have taken place. We remember the Carolinas late last year, where the flooding took place.

This particular year, we're dealing with flooding in Wharton (ph), Texas, just outside of Houston, really recovering from paralyzing flooding this year, killing eight people, 1,000 homes flooded, $5 billion in damage from this latest round of storms, Natalie.

So this is just the fingerprints of climate change. So many factors in here. So we really need to curb climate change, curb the carbon dioxide emissions and keep that temperature across the planet below 2 degrees. So crucial.

ALLEN: We have got many more months for you to look out for us this year.

VAN DAM: That's true.

ALLEN: All right. We will wait and see what happens. Thank you, Derek.

VAN DAM: Thank you, Natalie.

ALLEN: Mourning the loss of yet another musical legend this year. How the world is paying tribute to Prince. That's next.

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[00:25:00]

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ALLEN: The world has turned purple all of a sudden. Landmarks around the world are lit up in purple in Prince's honor. These are some of the many public tributes to Prince.

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ALLEN: How touching and how beautiful.

Thanks for watching. I'm Natalie Allen. Our top stories are right after this.

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