New Delhi, Jan 9, 2026: In a sweeping move that could reshape global climate governance, the United States on Wednesday announced its withdrawal from 66 international organisations and conventions, including key climate bodies such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The White House justified the exits, claiming that the organisations “do not serve American interests” and “advance globalist agendas over US priorities,” describing the financial contributions as “wasteful taxpayer expenditure.”

A Major Exit from Climate Governance

The most consequential of the withdrawals is from the UNFCCC, established in 1992 as the legal framework for international climate negotiations. All Conference of Parties (COP) meetings, including the historic Paris Agreement of 2015, are conducted under its aegis. With the US, historically the largest contributor to the fund and a major emitter of greenhouse gases, stepping out, global efforts to limit warming face a critical setback.

The US also exited the IPCC, the scientific authority that informs climate policies worldwide. These moves make the US the first country to completely withdraw from the multilateral climate framework, affecting both mitigation obligations and financial support to developing countries for adaptation and energy transition. The exit formally takes effect from January 27, 2026.

Expert Concerns

Climate experts have warned that the US withdrawal could destabilize the global response to climate change:

• Avantika Goswami, Centre for Science and Environment, highlighted the role of the G77 group of 134 developing countries in sustaining multilateral climate action, stressing that they must now shoulder a greater responsibility.
• Roxy Mathew Koll, IPCC author, emphasized that climate adaptation and resilience planning cannot pause for politics, urging countries like India to step up leadership in advancing global climate goals.
• David Widawsky, Director of the World Resources Institute, described the move as a strategic blunder, potentially ceding clean-energy leadership and economic opportunities to other nations.
• Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, said the withdrawal harms US security, economy, and international influence, as climate disasters like wildfires, floods, and droughts intensify.

Implications for Global Climate Policy

• Financial Gap: The US provided nearly 20% of UNFCCC funding. Its exit threatens ongoing climate projects in developing countries.
• Scientific Collaboration: The IPCC functions with 195 member countries. While its work continues, US absence reduces access to scientific leadership and continuity in climate policy.
• Clean-Energy Competition: US withdrawal may slow domestic clean-energy investment while opening global markets to other nations.

Other Organisations Affected

Besides the UNFCCC and IPCC, the US exited multiple bodies dealing with renewable energy, biodiversity, and international cooperation, including:

• Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
• International Solar Alliance (ISA), headquartered in Gurugram, with 125 member countries

The Indian government has taken note of the US exit from the ISA, reiterating the body’s continued role in promoting collective solar energy initiatives and universal energy access among member nations.

Context

The US previously withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2025, citing similar concerns over sovereignty and economic priorities. These successive exits mark a historic retreat from multilateral climate diplomacy by the world’s second-largest CO2 emitter, with per capita emissions still among the highest globally. China, India, Russia, and Japan remain engaged in global climate mechanisms, highlighting the asymmetry in global responsibility for emissions reduction.

Experts warn that while political decisions in the US are internal, the climate crisis does not pause. Continuity, leadership, and predictable support from major emitters are essential to maintain the pace of global climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.