In a significant move, President Donald Trump has directed the United States to withdraw from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and a total of 66 international organizations, including major UN bodies focused on climate change and sustainable development.This decision is seen as part of a broader strategy to retreat from multilateral cooperation, which the administration claims conflicts with US interests.
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dw.comesgtoday.comThe announcement, made on Wednesday, follows an executive order signed by Trump that mandates US departments to cease participation and funding for 31 United Nations entities and 35 non-UN organizations.Among the notable withdrawals are the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), both critical to global climate negotiations and scientific assessments.
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esgtoday.comclimatechangenews.comSecretary of State Marco Rubio stated that many of these organizations promote agendas that are "contrary to the interests of the United States," labeling them as part of a "sprawling architecture of global governance" dominated by progressive ideologies.
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esgtoday.comrenewablematter.euHe emphasized that the administration aims to stop what it perceives as the misallocation of American taxpayer money to foreign interests.
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renewablematter.euThe UNFCCC, established in 1992, serves as the cornerstone of international climate diplomacy, facilitating annual meetings where countries negotiate efforts to combat climate change.Trump's withdrawal makes the US the first country to formally exit this treaty, which has near-universal participation.
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climatechangenews.comrenewablematter.euCritics argue that this move undermines US leadership in global climate action and could have dire economic consequences.
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esgtoday.comclimatechangenews.comEnvironmental groups have expressed strong opposition to the withdrawal, warning that it will isolate the US and hinder efforts to address climate change effectively.Amanda Leland, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund, stated that the decision would harm American businesses and citizens by ceding leadership to other nations.
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esgtoday.comclimatechangenews.comSimon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, described the withdrawal as a "colossal own goal," predicting it would lead to less affordable energy and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters for American households.
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esgtoday.comclimatechangenews.comThe Trump administration's actions are part of a broader pattern, following previous withdrawals from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO).Critics argue that these decisions reflect a disregard for scientific consensus on climate change and a preference for fossil fuel interests.
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dw.comamp.dw.comTrump has consistently dismissed climate change as a "hoax," further solidifying his administration's stance against renewable energy initiatives.
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dw.comThe implications of this withdrawal extend beyond environmental concerns.Experts warn that the US will forfeit influence over critical climate policies and investments, potentially leading to economic disadvantages as other nations ramp up their clean energy efforts.
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climatechangenews.comrenewablematter.euThe decision has been characterized as a retreat from global leadership, with significant repercussions for both domestic and international climate strategies.
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esgtoday.comclimatechangenews.comWhile the Trump administration has framed this withdrawal as a necessary step to protect US sovereignty and economic interests, many believe it will ultimately weaken the country's position in global climate negotiations.The potential for rejoining these organizations in the future remains uncertain, as legal scholars debate whether a new administration would need Senate ratification to re-enter the UNFCCC.
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climatechangenews.comrenewablematter.euIn conclusion, Trump's withdrawal from IRENA and other key climate organizations marks a pivotal moment in US foreign policy, reflecting a significant shift away from international cooperation on climate change.As the world grapples with the urgent need for collective action against climate threats, the US decision raises questions about its future role in global environmental governance.
