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U.S. to Skip COP30 as States and Cities Mount Show of Force in Belém

Subnational leaders plan to signal continued U.S. climate engagement despite the administration's retreat from multilateral talks.

Overview

  • The White House said the U.S. will not send high-level officials to COP30 in Brazil, following President Trump's renewed withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and public criticism of multilateral climate policy.
  • More than 100 American governors, mayors and state and local officials organized by the America Is All In coalition are set to attend, representing roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population, three-quarters of GDP and over half of emissions.
  • A new study by America Is All In and the University of Maryland projects U.S. emissions could fall up to 56% below 2005 levels by 2035 if states and cities accelerate action and federal policy re-engages after 2028.
  • Senator Sheldon Whitehouse urged climate leaders to resist federal pressure and consider litigation, noting the administration recently used threats of sanctions and visa restrictions that helped delay a proposed global shipping carbon price at the IMO.
  • Concerns over industry influence persist at UN talks even after the UNFCCC issued voluntary funding-disclosure guidance for COP30 participants, which transparency advocates call an insufficient step.