Climate Diplomacy- Trump's Stance on International Environmental Agreements

Lucy Brown, 28th February 2025

In his second term, President Donald Trump has reinforced his administration's departure from international climate cooperation, significantly impacting global environmental agreements. This stance is characterised by withdrawal from key accords, reduction in climate-related funding, and a shift towards prioritising domestic energy interests over global environmental commitments.

Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

On January 20, 2025, on the first day of his second term, President Trump signed Executive Order 14162, titled "Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements," directing the immediate withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement. This marked the second U.S. exit from the accord, the first occurring during Trump's initial term. The executive order also terminated all U.S. financial commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including the International Climate Finance Plan, signalling a decisive shift away from multilateral climate efforts.

Reduction in Climate Finance and International Participation

The Trump administration has significantly curtailed US contributions to international climate finance. The previous administration had pledged $11.4 billion annually by 2024 to assist developing nations in mitigating climate change impacts. However, current policies have eliminated these contributions, raising concerns about the financial viability of global climate initiatives. This reduction in US funding undermines the collective effort required by states to address climate change, particularly affecting emerging economies that rely on such support for sustainable development.

Moreover, US officials have been notably absent from critical international climate forums. Since the onset of President Trump's second term, American representation at Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meetings has been minimal, hindering the progress of essential climate assessments. This absence not only diminishes the US’s influence in shaping global climate policies but also raises concerns about the state’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges collaboratively.

Domestic Policy Shifts and Deregulation

Domestically, the administration has prioritised deregulation and the promotion of fossil fuel industries. President Trump declared an "energy emergency," focusing on revoking climate policies and clean energy incentives established by the previous administration. This stance emphasises energy independence and economic growth, frequently at the expense of environmental considerations. The emphasis on fossil fuels and the rollback of environmental protections reflect a broader strategy of the Trump administration to prioritise immediate economic interests over long-term sustainability.

Impact on Global Climate Leadership

The US retreat from international climate agreements has created a leadership vacuum on the global stage. Historically, the US played a pivotal role in driving international climate action due to its presence in the international world order. The current administration's policies have shifted this dynamic, potentially ceding influence to other nations, such as China, which may seek to fill the void left by the US. This realignment could have profound implications for the direction and efficacy of global climate initiatives, as emerging powers may redefine priorities and strategies in addressing climate change.

Subnational and Non-Governmental Responses

In response to federal rollbacks, various states, cities, and private entities have intensified their climate actions. Initiatives at these levels aim to uphold the principles of international agreements like the Paris Agreement, despite the absence of federal support. For instance, regional coalitions and corporate commitments to renewable energy and emission reductions demonstrate a continued, albeit fragmented, dedication to combating climate change within the US. These efforts highlight the complex interplay between federal policies and localised initiatives, underscoring the resilience of subnational actors in the face of federal disengagement.

Conclusion

Trump's stance on international environmental agreements reflects a broader "America First" philosophy, prioritising the national interests and sovereignty over multilateral commitments- adopting more of an isolationist position. This approach has led to significant shifts in both domestic and global climate policies, with long-term implications for international cooperation and environmental sustainability. The reduction in US engagement and support poses challenges to the global community's ability to effectively address climate change, necessitating adaptive strategies from other nations and non-governmental actors to fill the resultant gaps.

Sources:

1.     Center on Global Energy Policy. 2024. "Energy and Climate Issues During the Trump Administration’s First 100 Days." Columbia University. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/energy-and-climate-issues-during-the-trump-administrations-first-100-days.

2.     Wikipedia contributors. 2025. "Executive Order 14162." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_14162.

3.     EconoTimes. 2025. "Donald Trump’s Stance on Climate Change in 2025." EconoTimes, January 10, 2025. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://www.econotimes.com/Donald-Trumps-stance-on-climate-change-in-2025-1694436.

4.     BBC News. 2015. "Paris Climate Change Agreement: The World's Biggest Deal." BBC, December 12, 2015. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35073297.

5.     The White House. 2025. "Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements." White House Briefings & Statements, January 20, 2025. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/putting-america-first-in-international-environmental-agreements.