Trump pulls US out of UN climate treaty in sweeping withdrawal from global institutions
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Experts say withdrawing from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is a "strategic blunder" for the US.
Donald Trump has been accused of “sinking to a new low” after ordering the US to withdraw from the United Nations’ flagship climate treaty.
In a Presidential Memorandum signed yesterday (7 January), the POTUS says it is “contrary to the interests of the US” to remain a member of, participate in, or provide support to more than 60 international organisations, treaties, and conventions. Many of these agencies, commissions and advisory panels focus on climate change, migration and labour.
The move follows Trump’s continuing efforts to boost polluting fossil fuels while stalling progress on clean energy projects. Last month, the US government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removed any mention of fossil fuels – the main driver of global warming – from its popular online page explaining the causes of climate change.
Donald Trump has been accused of “sinking to a new low” after ordering the US to withdraw from the United Nations’ flagship climate treaty.
In a Presidential Memorandum signed yesterday (7 January), the POTUS says it is “contrary to the interests of the US” to remain a member of, participate in, or provide support to more than 60 international organisations, treaties, and conventions. Many of these agencies, commissions and advisory panels focus on climate change, migration and labour.
The move follows Trump’s continuing efforts to boost polluting fossil fuels while stalling progress on clean energy projects. Last month, the US government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removed any mention of fossil fuels – the main driver of global warming – from its popular online page explaining the causes of climate change.
Trump withdraws from UN climate treaty
The Trump administration’s boldest withdrawal is from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This landmark treaty was adopted in 1992 by almost 200 nations, and is often seen as the parent of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which the US has already pulled out of.
It aims to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent “dangerous human interference with the climate system”. However, the UNFCCC also puts an onus on developed countries to take the lead.
This means the US agreed to support climate change activities in developing countries by providing financial support for adaptation that is “above and beyond any financial assistance they already provide to these countries”.
The Trump administration’s boldest withdrawal is from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This landmark treaty was adopted in 1992 by almost 200 nations, and is often seen as the parent of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which the US has already pulled out of.
It aims to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent “dangerous human interference with the climate system”. However, the UNFCCC also puts an onus on developed countries to take the lead.
This means the US agreed to support climate change activities in developing countries by providing financial support for adaptation that is “above and beyond any financial assistance they already provide to these countries”.
What other organisations has the US withdrawn from?
The administration has already axed its support for international agencies like the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO. Now, it has cut ties with 66 organisations, many of which work in sectors Trump has described as setting a “woke” agenda.
This includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s leading authority on climate science. The IPCC provides governments at all levels with scientific information which they can use to develop climate policies.
IPCC reports are also a key input into international climate negotiations, helping push global progress. Experts warn that stepping away from the panel risks weakening scientific guardrails that protect the public from disinformation, stalled progress and “reckless decision-making”.
Other groups on the administration’s list include UN Oceans, 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and the International Renewable Energy Agency.
The administration has already axed its support for international agencies like the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO. Now, it has cut ties with 66 organisations, many of which work in sectors Trump has described as setting a “woke” agenda.
This includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s leading authority on climate science. The IPCC provides governments at all levels with scientific information which they can use to develop climate policies.
IPCC reports are also a key input into international climate negotiations, helping push global progress. Experts warn that stepping away from the panel risks weakening scientific guardrails that protect the public from disinformation, stalled progress and “reckless decision-making”.
Other groups on the administration’s list include UN Oceans, 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and the International Renewable Energy Agency.
A ‘new low’ for Trump
The move sparked outrage from organisations and climate scientists around the world, with many arguing it will make the world “far more unsafe”.
The Union of Concerned Scientists’ (UCS) Dr Rachel Cleetus says withdrawing from the bedrock treaty on climate change is a “new low” for Trump – one that shows the administration is tapping into “authoritarianism” and “anti-science” at the sacrifice of its people’s well-being.
“But, forward-looking US states and the rest of the world recognise that devastating and costly climate impacts are mounting rapidly, and collective global action remains the only viable path to secure a livable future for our children and grandchildren,” she adds.
“Withdrawal from the global climate convention will only serve to further isolate the United States and diminish its standing in the world following a spate of deplorable actions that have already sent our nation’s credibility plummeting, jeopardised ties with some of our closest historical allies, and made the world far more unsafe.”
Dr Cleetus argues that the administration is “pandering to fossil fuel polluters” – a concern that has recently grown following the US taking control of Venezuela and its oil reserves.
The move sparked outrage from organisations and climate scientists around the world, with many arguing it will make the world “far more unsafe”.
The Union of Concerned Scientists’ (UCS) Dr Rachel Cleetus says withdrawing from the bedrock treaty on climate change is a “new low” for Trump – one that shows the administration is tapping into “authoritarianism” and “anti-science” at the sacrifice of its people’s well-being.
“But, forward-looking US states and the rest of the world recognise that devastating and costly climate impacts are mounting rapidly, and collective global action remains the only viable path to secure a livable future for our children and grandchildren,” she adds.
“Withdrawal from the global climate convention will only serve to further isolate the United States and diminish its standing in the world following a spate of deplorable actions that have already sent our nation’s credibility plummeting, jeopardised ties with some of our closest historical allies, and made the world far more unsafe.”
Dr Cleetus argues that the administration is “pandering to fossil fuel polluters” – a concern that has recently grown following the US taking control of Venezuela and its oil reserves.
What happens next?
David Widawsky, director of the World Resources Institute, which aims to develop low-carbon and resilient economies, argues that pulling out of the UNFCC is a “strategic blunder” that gives away American advantage for nothing in return.
“The 30-year-old agreement is the foundation of international climate cooperation,” Widawsky says. “Walking away doesn’t just put America on the sidelines– it takes the US out of the arena completely.”
Looking forward, Widawsky predicts that American communities and businesses will lose economic ground as other countries capture the jobs, wealth and trade created by the booming clean-energy economy.
In 2023, 1.6 million people in the EU were employed in the renewable energy industry. This number is set to soar as solar and wind become the EU’s largest electricity source.
“Despite [Trump’s] action, global climate diplomacy will not falter,” Widawsky adds.
“Other nations understand the UNFCCC’s irreplaceable role in driving cooperation and advancing climate solutions the world urgently needs. When countries work together on climate, it saves lives, creates jobs, strengthens economic stability, and builds a more prosperous future.”
Euronews Green has contacted the UNFCCC for comment.
David Widawsky, director of the World Resources Institute, which aims to develop low-carbon and resilient economies, argues that pulling out of the UNFCC is a “strategic blunder” that gives away American advantage for nothing in return.
“The 30-year-old agreement is the foundation of international climate cooperation,” Widawsky says. “Walking away doesn’t just put America on the sidelines– it takes the US out of the arena completely.”
Looking forward, Widawsky predicts that American communities and businesses will lose economic ground as other countries capture the jobs, wealth and trade created by the booming clean-energy economy.
In 2023, 1.6 million people in the EU were employed in the renewable energy industry. This number is set to soar as solar and wind become the EU’s largest electricity source.
“Despite [Trump’s] action, global climate diplomacy will not falter,” Widawsky adds.
“Other nations understand the UNFCCC’s irreplaceable role in driving cooperation and advancing climate solutions the world urgently needs. When countries work together on climate, it saves lives, creates jobs, strengthens economic stability, and builds a more prosperous future.”
Euronews Green has contacted the UNFCCC for comment.
Trump withdraws US from UN climate treaty and 65 other global bodies
President Trump signed an executive order suspending US participation in 66 UN agencies and international organisations, including the UN climate treaty, marking a major retreat from global cooperation.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday suspending Washington's participation in dozens of UN agencies, commissions and advisory panels focused on climate, labour, migration and other issues his administration describes as promoting "woke" initiatives.
This means the US will withdraw from 66 international organisations including the UN climate treaty framework, marking the most extensive retreat from global cooperation in its modern history.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the institutions were "redundant in their scope, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, captured by the interests of actors advancing their own agendas contrary to our own, or a threat to our nation's sovereignty."
"President Trump is clear: It is no longer acceptable to be sending these institutions the blood, sweat, and treasure of the American people, with little to nothing to show for it. The days of billions of dollars in taxpayer money flowing to foreign interests at the expense of our people are over," Rubio said in a statement following the decision.
The withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change — the 1992 treaty underpinning the Paris climate agreement — leaves the US as the only country outside the global climate framework. Trump, who calls climate change a hoax, withdrew from the Paris agreement shortly after returning to the White House
Trump's latest order drew sharp criticism from experts and former Washington officials.
Gina McCarthy, former White House national climate adviser, said the decision was "shortsighted, embarrassing and foolish." She warned the US was forfeiting its ability to influence trillions of dollars in climate investments and policies.
Climate scientist Rob Jackson, who chairs the Global Carbon Project tracking global emissions, said the withdrawal "gives other nations the excuse to delay their own actions and commitments" on reducing greenhouse gases.
“The people of the US and the international community must come together to stop the Trump administration from dismantling the structures and tools we have fought for and won – imperfect though they may be – to advance climate justice and global justice," Niranjali Amerasinghe, executive director of ActionAid USA, said in reaction to the decision.
What is the US exiting?
The US will also exit the UN Population Fund, which provides sexual and reproductive health services worldwide. Trump cut funding to the agency during his first term over Republican accusations that it participated in coercive abortion practices in China, claims a 2022 State Department review found no evidence to support.
Other organisations on the withdrawal list include the Carbon Free Energy Compact, United Nations University, International Cotton Advisory Committee, International Tropical Timber Organisation, Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation and International Lead and Zinc Study Group.
The administration has already suspended support for the World Health Organization, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA, the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO. It has adopted what officials describe as an "à la carte" approach to UN funding, supporting only operations aligned with Trump's agenda.
Daniel Forti, head of UN affairs at the International Crisis Group, said the approach represents "the crystallisation of the US approach to multilateralism, which is 'my way or the highway'".
The shift marks a departure from how both Republican and Democratic administrations historically engaged with the UN.
The world body has responded with staffing and programme cuts, while numerous nongovernmental organisations have closed projects after Trump slashed foreign assistance through USAID.
Trump administration officials said they want to focus resources on expanding US influence in UN standard-setting bodies where the US competes with China, including the International Telecommunications Union, International Maritime Organisation, and International Labour Organisation.
The withdrawals come as Trump has rattled allies and adversaries with military actions including the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and threats to seize Greenland.
Trump Abandonment of Global Treaties,
Including Landmark Climate Deal,
‘Threatens All Life on Earth’
“Trump cutting ties with the world’s oldest climate treaty is another despicable effort to let corporate fossil fuel interests run our government.”
US President Donald Trump departs after delivering remarks to the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2025.
(Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
Jake Johnson
Jan 08, 2026
COMMON DREAMS
President Donald Trump on Wednesday withdrew the United States from dozens of international treaties and organizations aimed at promoting cooperation on the world’s most pressing issues, including human rights and the worsening climate emergency.
Among the treaties Trump ditched via a legally dubious executive order was the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), making the US—the world’s largest historical emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases—the first country to abandon the landmark agreement.
The US Senate ratified the convention in 1992 by unanimous consent, but lawmakers have repeatedly failed to assert their constitutional authority to stop presidents from unilaterally withdrawing from global treaties.
Jean Su, energy justice director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement that “Trump cutting ties with the world’s oldest climate treaty is another despicable effort to let corporate fossil fuel interests run our government.”
“Given deeply polarized US politics, it’s going to be nearly impossible for the U.S. to rejoin the UNFCCC with a two-thirds majority vote. Letting this lawless move stand could shut the US out of climate diplomacy forever,” Su warned. “Withdrawing from the world’s leading climate, biodiversity, and scientific institutions threatens all life on Earth.”
Trump also pulled the US out of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the UN International Law Commission, the UN Democracy Fund, UN Oceans, and dozens of other global bodies, deeming them “contrary to the interests of the United States.”
The president’s move came as he continued to steamroll domestic and international law with an illegal assault on Venezuela and threats to seize Greenland with military force, among other grave abuses.
Below is the full list of international organizations that Trump abandoned with the stroke of a pen:
(a) Non-United Nations Organizations:
(i) 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact;
(ii) Colombo Plan Council;
(iii) Commission for Environmental Cooperation;
(iv) Education Cannot Wait;
(v) European Centre of Excellence for Countering
Hybrid Threats;
(vi) Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories;
(vii) Freedom Online Coalition;
(viii) Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund;
(ix) Global Counterterrorism Forum;
(x) Global Forum on Cyber Expertise;
(xi) Global Forum on Migration and Development;
(xii) Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research;
(xiii) Intergovernmental Forum onMining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development;
(xiv) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;
(xv) Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services;
(xvi) International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property;
(xvii) International Cotton Advisory Committee;
(xviii) International Development Law Organization;
(xix) International Energy Forum;
(xx) International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies;
(xxi) International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance;
(xxii) International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law;
(xxiii) International Lead and Zinc Study Group;
(xxiv) InternationalRenewable Energy Agency;
(xxv) International Solar Alliance;
(xxvi) International Tropical Timber Organization;
(xxvii) International Union for Conservation of Nature;
(xxviii) Pan American Institute of Geography and History;
(xxix) Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation;
(xxx) Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia;
(xxxi) Regional Cooperation Council;
(xxxii) Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century;
(xxxiii)Science and Technology Center in Ukraine;
(xxxiv) Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme; and
(xxxv) Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.
(b) United Nations (UN) Organizations:
(i) Department of Economic and Social Affairs;
(ii) UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) — Economic Commission forAfrica;
(iii) ECOSOC — Economic Commission forLatin America and the Caribbean;
(iv) ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific;
(v) ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia;
(vi) International Law Commission;
(vii) International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals;
(viii) InternationalTrade Centre;
(ix) Office of the Special Adviser on Africa;
(x) Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General forChildren in Armed Conflict;
(xi) Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict;
(xii) Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children;
(xiii) Peacebuilding Commission;
(xiv) Peacebuilding Fund;
(xv) Permanent Forum on People of African Descent;
(xvi) UN Alliance of Civilizations;
(xvii) UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions fromDeforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries;
(xviii) UN Conference on Trade and Development;
(xix) UN Democracy Fund;
(xx) UN Energy;
(xxi) UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women;
(xxii) UN Framework Convention on Climate Change;
(xxiii) UN Human Settlements Programme;
(xxiv) UN Institute for Training and Research;
(xxv) UN Oceans;
(xxvi) UN Population Fund;
(xxvii) UN Register of Conventional Arms;
(xxviii) UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination;
(xxix) UN System Staff College;
(xxx) UNWater; and
(xxxi) UN University.
Rachel Cleetus, policy director and lead economist for the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said Trump’s withdrawal from the world’s bedrock climate treaty marks “a new low and yet another sign that this authoritarian, anti-science administration is determined to sacrifice people’s well-being and destabilize global cooperation.”
“Withdrawal from the global climate convention will only serve to further isolate the United States and diminish its standing in the world following a spate of deplorable actions that have already sent our nation’s credibility plummeting, jeopardized ties with some of our closest historical allies, and made the world far more unsafe,” said Cleetus. “This administration remains cruelly indifferent to the unassailable facts on climate while pandering to fossil fuel polluters.”
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