Statement: The US withdraws from UNFCCC and IRENA 

The Global Renewables Alliance notes the decision by the United States to withdraw from the UNFCCC, IRENA and several other international conventions. This represents a step away for the US Administration from multilateral cooperation on climate change mitigation and the energy transition, at a time when international coordination is critical for delivery at speed and scale.  

The US is one the world’s largest carbon emitters and highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of climate change, making this decision is setback for the world and for ordinary Americans. However, globalmomentum remains strong.  198 countries continue to work together through the UNFCC, driving economic growth, energy security and shared prosperity. And the economics of clean, affordable renewables mean that companies and consumers will continue to choose technologies like solar and wind. 

Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, said:
“The renewable energy transition is the economic opportunity of the century. By stepping away, the US is choosing to miss out on jobs, investment and industrial growth that are already reshaping the global economy. The rest of the world is moving forward, together.” 

He added:
“These conventions are not symbolic. They are catalysts for collaboration that underpin climate action, strengthen security and unlock growth across borders. And while the US administration is stepping back, US companies, investors and states continue to choose renewables because it is the most competitive and most secure path forward. In a global economy, there is only one Earth and one future, and the transition is accelerating with or without US participation.”