The Global Renewables Alliance has criticised a decision by the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and several other international conventions, saying the move risks undermining global cooperation on climate action.
The organisation said the decision comes at a time when international coordination is critical to accelerate climate change mitigation and the global energy transition. It added that the United States is among the world’s largest carbon emitters and is highly exposed to climate-related impacts, while 198 countries continue to cooperate through the UNFCCC framework.
“The renewable energy transition is the economic opportunity of the century,” said Bruce Douglas, chief executive of the Global Renewables Alliance. “By stepping away, the U.S. 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.”
Douglas said the international conventions play a practical role in driving progress rather than serving a symbolic purpose. “These conventions are not symbolic. They are catalysts for collaboration that underpin climate action, strengthen security and unlock growth across borders,” he said.
He added that despite the U.S. administration’s decision, many American companies, investors and state governments continue to invest in renewable energy. “While the U.S. administration is stepping back, U.S. companies, investors and states continue to choose renewables because it is the fastest, most competitive and secure path forward,” Douglas said.
“In a global economy, there is only one Earth and one future, and the energy transition is accelerating with or without U.S. participation,” he added.
