President Donald Trump has officially announced the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, including 12 dedicated to energy, renewable energy, and climate change.This decision follows an Executive Order issued in February 2025, which directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review US participation in various international organizations and treaties, deeming many as "contrary to the interests of the United States".
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esgtoday.comAmong the organizations from which the US will withdraw is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a foundational treaty ratified in 1992 that has been signed by nearly every country in the world.The UNFCCC serves as the parent treaty for significant climate agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, which aim to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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esgtoday.comtheguardian.comTrump's administration has previously withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, an international accord that obligates participating countries to set climate goals.This withdrawal was first enacted during his first term and was reversed by President Joe Biden upon taking office in 2021.However, Trump has now reinstated this withdrawal in his second term, asserting that many international climate bodies promote policies that conflict with US sovereignty and economic interests.
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solarpowerworldonline.comnpr.orgThe decision to exit these organizations has sparked outrage among environmental advocates and global leaders.Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, described the US withdrawal as a "colossal own goal," warning that it would lead to less affordable energy and increased vulnerability to climate-driven disasters for American households and businesses.
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esgtoday.comtheguardian.comEnvironmental Defense Fund Executive Director Amanda Leland echoed these sentiments, stating that the US retreat from climate action would ultimately harm American interests and cede leadership to other nations.
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esgtoday.comCritics argue that Trump's decision to withdraw from the UNFCCC and other climate organizations will isolate the US from global climate efforts, undermining its ability to influence international climate policy and investment.Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the move an "unforced error" that would hinder the US's competitiveness in the clean energy sector, particularly against countries like China, which is rapidly advancing in renewable energy technologies.
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theguardian.comyaleclimateconnections.orgIn addition to the UNFCCC, the US will also withdraw from other significant organizations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).These organizations play crucial roles in advancing global cooperation on climate science and renewable energy adoption, and their absence will likely diminish US influence in these critical areas.
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esgtoday.comtheguardian.comThe implications of this withdrawal extend beyond international relations; they also pose risks to the US economy.As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather events, the economic costs associated with these disasters are expected to rise.Critics warn that by stepping back from international climate commitments, the US may face increased economic instability and higher costs related to disaster recovery and infrastructure damage.
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theguardian.comyaleclimateconnections.orgIn response to the announcement, various faith and environmental groups have mobilized to continue advocating for climate action at the local and state levels.Many organizations, including religious coalitions, have pledged to uphold the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the moral imperative to address climate change and protect vulnerable communities from its impacts.
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yaleclimateconnections.orgAs the US embarks on this new path of isolation from international climate efforts, the long-term consequences of this decision remain to be seen.With global temperatures rising and the frequency of climate-related disasters increasing, the need for coordinated international action has never been more critical.The US's withdrawal from these organizations may not only hinder its own climate progress but also undermine global efforts to combat the climate crisis effectively.
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theguardian.comnpr.orgIn conclusion, Trump's withdrawal from key international climate organizations marks a significant shift in US policy, one that has drawn widespread criticism and concern from environmental advocates and global leaders alike.The ramifications of this decision will likely resonate for years to come, as the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
