By Dhruvi Shah
The withdrawal of the United States from dozens of international organisations, including a number of major contributors to tackling the issue of climate change globally, was announced by President Donald Trump. Of the 66 different organisations that the US withdrew from, about half are part of the United Nations system.
The UNFCCC or the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, is perhaps the most important organisation that has been withdrawn from by the US, since it is the primary foundation for all international negotiations regarding climate change. The United States has also withdrawn from the IPCC, which is the world’s foremost authority on climate science and whose reports are critical references for governments across the globe.
According to officials at the White House, their decision to withdraw was reached after conducting an extensive internal analysis, and they concluded that the international organisations in question do not support American domestic and foreign policy objectives. White House officials asserted that the international organisations promote “globalism” and have the potential to undermine US national sovereignty and economic interests while wasting taxpayer funds.
There is great concern among scientists about this withdrawal, particularly regarding future assessments of the IPCC that are impending and may result in restrictions on US participation in the preparation of these reports if the necessary travel and transport of US scientists does not take place as planned. The US banned US-based scientists from attending a recent international climate meeting held in China.
The withdrawal decision will also affect other types of organisations, i.e. those involved with clean energy research alliances, democratic governance and international security. Examples include the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and counter-terrorism/electoral assistance forums.
Critics say the withdrawal will further isolate the USA from the world community and Europeans have stated that it will further hinder international climate action. This is because many governments from across Europe regard the UNFCCC to be a significant player in developing and coordinating climate response to Climate Change.
Environmental advocacy groups within the United States have also condemned this decision as an example of this administration ignoring the growing body of scientific information that confirms Climate Change will further erode international stability.
The US will have a full year to formally exit the UNFCCC but this decision is only part of the administration’s larger pattern of distancing the USA from multilateral institutions and international agreements.