Trump Withdraws US from Key Climate and Renewable Energy Organizations

Jan 10, 2026, 2:17 AM

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In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, including crucial entities focused on climate change and renewable energy. This decision follows an Executive Order issued in February 2025, which directed a review of US participation in international organizations deemed contrary to national interests.

Among the organizations affected is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a foundational treaty ratified by the US Senate in 1992. The UNFCCC serves as the primary international agreement aimed at combating climate change, and the US will become the only country not part of this treaty. Other notable withdrawals include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the International Solar Alliance.

In a memorandum detailing the withdrawal, Trump stated that many of these organizations promote policies that conflict with US sovereignty and economic strength. He characterized them as part of a "sprawling architecture of global governance" that is often dominated by progressive ideology. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, asserting that the US would no longer support institutions that do not align with its national interests.

Environmental advocates have sharply criticized the move, warning that it could isolate the US from global climate efforts and undermine its economic interests. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, described the withdrawal as a "colossal own goal," suggesting it would lead to less affordable energy and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Critics argue that the decision to exit these organizations will hinder the US's ability to influence global climate policies and investments. Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, called it an "unforced error" that would further diminish US competitiveness in the clean energy sector, particularly against countries like China that are advancing in renewable technologies.

The withdrawal from the UNFCCC and other organizations marks a continuation of Trump's previous actions, including the US exit from the Paris Agreement in 2020, which aimed to limit global temperature rise. This latest decision has raised questions about the legality of unilaterally withdrawing from a treaty ratified by the Senate, a matter that remains legally unsettled.

As the US steps back from these international commitments, the global community continues to push forward with climate action. Many countries are ramping up investments in renewable energy, leaving the US at risk of falling behind in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

In summary, Trump's withdrawal from key climate and renewable energy organizations represents a significant shift in US foreign policy, one that has sparked widespread criticism and concern about the implications for both national and global efforts to combat climate change.

The administration's actions reflect a broader skepticism towards international cooperation on environmental issues, which could have lasting effects on the US's role in global climate governance.

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