TL/DR –
President Trump announced that the U.S. is withdrawing from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), making the U.S. the first country to leave the framework it helped create in the early 1990s. This comes after the Trump administration had the State Department review its involvement in international organizations, leading to the U.S. withdrawing from a total of 66 international organizations including 31 United Nations entities. Experts argue this withdrawal sends a negative signal about the U.S.’s commitment to climate action and may harm its chances in the growing clean energy market.
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President Trump Withdraws U.S. from Global Climate Treaty
President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the central global treaty established to create an international legal framework for addressing climate change.
U.S. Exits from International Organizations
The decision follows a review of the United States’ involvement in various international organizations, initiated by the Trump Administration in February. The findings led to the withdrawal of the U.S. from 66 global organizations, including 31 United Nations entities. Among the exited groups are U.N. Oceans, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and the International Renewable Energy Agency.
U.S. First to Abandon its Own Creation
This withdrawal makes the U.S. the first nation to reject the UNFCCC, a framework it significantly contributed to shaping in the early 1990s. Jake Schmidt, senior strategic director of international climate at the Natural Resources Defense Council, criticized the decision. He stated, “It’s a terrible signal of the U.S.’s commitment to international climate action,” adding that even countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, which aren’t known for strong climate leadership, remain in the agreement.
Impact on U.S. Climate Initiatives
Some experts argue that the U.S. leaving the UNFCCC might not create a significant tangible impact, considering the Trump Administration has already rolled back numerous climate initiatives. Max Holmes, president and CEO of the Woodwell Climate Research Center, points out, “The federal government, over the last 11 plus months, has already done everything they can to put the brakes on energy transition and climate action.”
Future Economic Opportunity at Stake
Critics further warn that the U.S. may be missing out on the economic benefits of the growing clean energy trend. Jake Schmidt highlights, “The U.S. is missing out on a huge economic opportunity,” warning that the administration’s moves are likely to hinder the U.S.’s ability to compete in the burgeoning clean energy market.
Long-Term Harm to U.S., Says UNFCCC Executive Secretary
Reacting to the decision, UNFCCC executive secretary Simon Stiell warned that the move could harm the U.S. economy, job market, and living standards in the long run, with climate-driven disasters expected to hit harder each year. However, he added that the “doors remain open” for the U.S. to rejoin the treaty in the future.
Global Climate Action Continues Despite U.S. Withdrawal
Despite the U.S. withdrawal, the rest of the world is carrying on with climate action efforts, as evidenced by the continuation of the annual U.N. climate conference, COP30, without American involvement. Schmidt observes, “We saw clear signs that the rest of the world is continuing to move forward with climate change action at home… I think that’s a sign that the rest of the world is a bit disappointed that the U.S. is sitting out, but it’s not stopping its own action.”
Climate Action Persists at Local Level in the U.S.
Despite the federal government’s stance, state and local governments across the U.S. are still actively participating in local climate action and representing the United States internationally. As Holmes notes, “Just because the federal government tries to stop things doesn’t mean everything stops,” adding, “The U.S. government is by no means the only show in town.”
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