U.S. Orders Sweeping Exit From Climate Pacts, Including UNFCCC

Overview

• A White House memorandum instructs agencies to leave 66 climate and biodiversity agreements, explicitly including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• The Treasury Department announced the United States has left the Green Climate Fund with immediate effect and given up its Board seat.
• The second U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is scheduled to take effect on January 27.
• UN officials and European leaders issued sharp criticism, with UNFCCC chief Simon Stiell calling the move a “colossal own goal” and UN Secretary‑General António Guterres expressing regret.
• Legal uncertainty surrounds unilateral exits from Senate‑ratified treaties, and experts warn of gaps in emissions reporting, climate finance, and access to critical scientific data.