Trump Exits Paris Agreement & Dozens of International Groups

Teh United States has formally withdrawn from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a move signaling a significant shift in its approach to global climate action. This decision, finalized in November 2023, raises concerns about the future of international cooperation and the progress made in addressing rising global temperatures.

Impact on Climate Science and International Collaboration

This withdrawal isn’t simply a political statement; it has tangible consequences for the scientific community and ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate climate change. Sources indicate anxieties among US scientists involved in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for assessing the science related to climate change.

The IPCC relies on contributions from experts worldwide to compile its complete reports, which pull together the most respected reports on the science of rising global temperatures. Any disruption to US participation, such as restrictions on travel or research contributions, could substantially delay the release of crucial reports, including the mitigation report – a vital guide for governments developing climate policies.

I’ve found that consistent scientific assessment is the bedrock of effective climate policy,and the IPCC reports are the gold standard. A delay in their release could leave policymakers operating with incomplete facts at a critical juncture.

Beyond the IPCC, other UN-affiliated organizations focused on related areas are also affected. These include the International Solar Alliance, dedicated to promoting solar energy, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, all of which benefit from US engagement and funding.

Its important to remember that this isn’t the first instance of the US stepping back from international climate agreements. Former President Trump initially withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2020, and then again in 2023, and also declined to send a delegation to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. This pattern demonstrates a consistent reluctance to fully commit to multilateral climate efforts