In early January 2026, the United States completed its withdrawal from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other related international climate and environmental organizations, marking a significant shift in federal engagement with global climate initiatives. The decision was driven by a focus on prioritizing “American interests” and economic considerations, as officials expressed concerns about the impact of international climate agreements on the U.S. economy.
This move, which was initiated by an executive directive from the Trump administration late in 2025, affects 66 key organizations that include some of the most influential climate and renewable energy agencies worldwide. Among these organizations were critical bodies responsible for setting global climate standards, tracking emissions reductions, and coordinating international efforts to combat climate change. The U.S.’s formal exit from these groups has raised concerns, especially among environmental advocates and climate scientists, who argue that the withdrawal signals a retreat from the nation’s previous leadership role in tackling global climate change.
Critics of the U.S. exit from the UNFCCC argue that it could undermine the country’s competitiveness in the rapidly growing clean energy market. The global push for renewable energy solutions and carbon-reduction technologies presents an opportunity for nations to position themselves as leaders in the emerging industries of the future. The U.S., by stepping away from these international agreements, risks falling behind as other countries continue to advance their climate policies and green technologies.
However, in response to the federal withdrawal, many governors across the political spectrum have signaled their commitment to maintaining climate action at the state level. Through the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors, nearly 60% of the U.S. economy has pledged to continue working towards the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. This group of states has made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy solutions, and they are determined to maintain this momentum regardless of federal policies.
The U.S. Climate Alliance’s continued efforts underscore the important role that state and local governments are playing in shaping the country’s climate future. With Washington, D.C. stepping back from international leadership, these states are expected to become the primary drivers of climate action in the United States throughout 2026 and beyond. Many states have already set their own ambitious targets for reducing emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy, ensuring that clean energy transitions continue despite federal setbacks.
As the debate over the federal role in climate action rages on, it’s clear that the U.S. is entering a new era of climate policy, one where state and local governments will have an increasingly central role in addressing environmental challenges. This shift also highlights the evolving nature of U.S. climate commitments, where much of the action may now take place outside of international forums but still in pursuit of a sustainable future.
