U.S. Exit from UNFCCC and IPCC -

Background

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum withdrawing from 66 international organisations.
These include the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The move follows an executive order dated February 4, 2025, reviewing treaties against U.S. interests.

Impact of Exit from UNFCCC

The UNFCCC anchors almost all multilateral climate diplomacy and monitoring frameworks.
Exiting removes the U.S. from the emissions reporting and transparency system under the UNFCCC.
It also implies automatic withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which operates under the UNFCCC.
The U.S. will no longer be a party to COP negotiations, losing formal negotiating rights.
It may still attend some meetings, but only as an observer without legal standing.

Implications for Climate Finance

The UNFCCC oversees finance through bodies like the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility.
U.S. exit reduces its influence over climate finance governance and makes withholding funds politically easier.
It also increases policy uncertainty for U.S. companies, raising investment and trade risks.
Foreign partners may hesitate to enter energy, minerals, and development deals with Washington.

Role of the IPCC

The IPCC synthesises global scientific research on climate change impacts and policy options.
U.S. exit weakens its role in shaping shared scientific references for negotiations.
American experts may still contribute as reviewers or through non-government nominations.

Global Repercussions

Withdrawal by a high-emission, wealthy country weakens trust in reciprocal climate commitments.
It may encourage other reluctant governments to delay or dilute climate action.
Poorer countries could harden positions due to perceived unfair burden-sharing.

Finance Gap and Future Risks

Developed countries mobilised $115.9 billion in 2022, crossing the earlier $100 billion goal.
Adaptation needs are projected at $310–365 billion annually by 2035, but only $26 billion flowed in 2023.
COP29 (2024) set a new target of $300 billion per year by 2035.
U.S. exit undermines credibility and feasibility of meeting these global finance commitments.

U.S. Exit from UNFCCC and IPCC