"Mankind" is not acceptable, is it?

Sept 22 “It is true that for too many years that mankind has been slow to respond or even recognize the magnitude of the climate threat”

I don’t understand how President Obama can use a gender exclusive term like “mankind”, i expect better than that.

I know I might seem like i am nitpicking but the term “mankind” sticks out like a sore thumb to me, anyone else feels that way?