US Retreats from Global Science Leadership: What’s Next for IPCC and IPBES?
In a move signaling a dramatic shift in US foreign policy, the Trump administration has formally withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organizations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This decision, announced in January 2026, represents a significant departure from historical US engagement with these crucial scientific bodies.
The Unprecedented Withdrawal: A Breakdown
The White House justified the withdrawal by stating that these organizations “no longer serve American interests” and pursue agendas deemed “ineffective or hostile.” This action marks the first time any nation has exited the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the treaty underpinning global climate governance. The administration also withdrew from 64 other international bodies, citing concerns over national sovereignty and efficient use of taxpayer resources.
The US has previously failed to meet some UN climate treaty obligations, including reporting emissions and funding the UNFCCC, and has not attended recent climate summits. However, complete withdrawal from the UNFCCC and IPCC is an unprecedented step.
Impact on the IPCC and IPBES: A Looming Gap
The IPCC, established in 1988, is the leading international body for assessing climate change. IPBES, founded in 2012, provides scientific assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Both organizations rely on contributions from scientists and governments worldwide, including substantial input from the US.
The US withdrawal will inevitably harm the operate of these bodies. The US will no longer negotiate as a Party at climate conferences, will fall outside the emissions reporting and review system, and will lose its ability to shape global climate rules from within. This abdication of commitment could slow scientific advances and degrade multilateral cooperation needed to address global crises.
Filling the Void: The Role of Non-State Actors
With the US federal government stepping back, scientists, universities, civil society organizations, and philanthropies are being called upon to fill the gap. Continued US engagement with the IPCC and IPBES will depend on these non-state actors maintaining research collaborations, providing financial support, and ensuring US expertise remains available to these vital international bodies.
This situation echoes previous instances where US leadership on international issues waned, prompting private sector and non-governmental organizations to step up. However, the scale of this withdrawal – encompassing both climate and biodiversity science – presents a unique challenge.
Legal Challenges and Potential Re-Entry
The legality of the US unilaterally withdrawing from the UNFCCC has been contested. Experts are debating whether the president has the authority to withdraw from a Senate-ratified treaty without congressional approval.
The possibility of the US rejoining the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement remains open, contingent on future political developments. However, the current administration’s stance suggests a long-term disengagement from multilateral climate action.
Did you know?
The UNFCCC was originally signed at the 1992 ‘Earth Summit’ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with early Republican advisors emphasizing the importance of linking economic development with environmental protection.
FAQ: US Withdrawal from IPCC and IPBES
Q: What is the UNFCCC?
A: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international treaty adopted in 1992 that commits nations to tackle “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”
Q: What does the IPCC do?
A: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assesses the science related to climate change.
Q: What is IPBES?
A: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services provides scientific assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Q: Will this withdrawal affect international climate negotiations?
A: Yes, the US will no longer participate in negotiations and will lose influence over global climate rules.
Pro Tip
Stay informed about the latest developments in climate and biodiversity science by following the IPCC and IPBES websites. Engage with scientific organizations and advocate for continued US engagement in these critical international efforts.
Explore further: Carbon Brief provides in-depth analysis of climate science and policy.
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