The White House has announced that the US exits foundational climate pact and the global warming panel, marking a major change in policy and a big step back from working with other countries on climate issues. According to a White House memo, Washington is dropping out of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The UNFCCC is the main agreement that supports almost all international climate deals, and the IPCC is the top international group for assessing climate science.

Source: X

White House Frames Withdrawal as National Interest Move

The White House claims that leaving the UNFCCC and related climate groups is in the best interest of the country. They say this decision came after looking at U.S. involvement in international organizations that are against the interests of the United States. The memo lists 66 such organizations, including United Nations agencies and other groups involving multiple governments. Besides the basic climate treaty and the IPCC, other affected groups include the International Renewable Energy Agency and UN-affiliated climate panels.

People in the administration and supporters say this move fulfills campaign promises to prioritize U.S. independence and financial interests. They believe the U.S. should not pay for international organizations and that being involved costs more than it helps. Some also say this adjusts Washington’s international commitments to better fit the country’s energy and industrial goals.

Also Read: Trump Says US Will Receive 30 To 50 Million Barrels Of Venezuelan Oil At Market Price

Global Backlash and Legal Questions

Environmental groups, scientists, and foreign policy experts have strongly criticized the decision, warning that it hurts decades of climate talks and scientific work. The Union of Concerned Scientists called the move a new low, saying it undermines global efforts to combat climate change and erodes trust in U.S. leadership.

Legal experts have also questioned whether a president can withdraw from treaties like the UNFCCC, which the U.S. Senate approved in 1992. The Constitution says the Senate must approve treaties, but it does not say how to withdraw from them. This could cause legal problems in U.S. courts or under future administrations.

Also Read: New Environmental Regulations Set To Reshape Saudi Arabia’s Coastal Tourism

Implications for Climate Action and Diplomacy

Critics argue that this is the worst possible time for this decision. Rising climate issues around the world show the need for strong international cooperation. By leaving these important groups, the United States may lose its leading role to other major countries as the planet faces rising temperatures and environmental problems.

The White House announced that the US exits the foundational climate pact and the global warming panel protects national interests, but many see it as a setback for global climate efforts and international scientific work.

Also Read: Is Hydrogen Really Clean New Findings Suggest Hidden Climate Costs