U.S. Withdrawal from UNFCCC, IPCC, and More Vital International Agreements Undermines U.S. Global Standing and Economic Edge

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 7, 2026)  President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw once again from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the world's primary international treaty to combat climate change, signed by 197 countries. Once the withdrawal takes effect one year from signing, the United States will be the only country not engaged in the UNFCCC.

"The Trump administration’s retreat from the effort to reduce pollution and climate disasters will hurt the American people and businesses. It will turn over leadership to other countries, and the United States will get no say in these critical decisions.  
  
“For over 30 years, the U.S. has followed the scientific evidence and worked alongside other countries to find a path to addressing our changing climate while ensuring economic prosperity and human health. To be the first major economy to abandon this effort would set American families and businesses back in the global energy transition—leaving them to breathe dirtier air, face worse health outcomes, pay higher energy bills, and miss out on the economic gains that come with leading the shift to a clean energy future. 
  
“Participating in building the way forward is in the best interest of national security, energy independence, and ultimately in the best interest of the American people. States, cities, and companies must now carry the torch by taking actions within their power to lower energy costs, build up local economies, reduce climate pollution, and protect public health.” 

- EDF Executive Director Amanda Leland