Context:
The United States has announced its withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and over 60 international treaties, including key climate-related bodies such as the IPCC, International Solar Alliance (ISA), and IRENA. This follows its earlier exit from the Paris Agreement, effective January 20. The move has implications for global climate governance and geopolitics.
Key Highlights:
Scope of U.S. Exit
- Withdrawal from:
– UNFCCC
– Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
– International Solar Alliance (ISA)
– International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) - Earlier withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (2015).
• Budget cuts and staff reductions in U.S. climate research agencies.
Historical Context
- U.S. played a crucial role in shaping the UNFCCC (1992).
• Never ratified the Kyoto Protocol (1997).
• Record under Paris Agreement marked by limited progress in:
– Emission reductions
– Climate finance
– Technology transfer
Implications for Global Climate Action
- Weakens multilateral momentum on climate mitigation.
• Reduced funding for scientific research may impact global climate data networks.
• Risk of leadership vacuum in renewable energy and climate diplomacy.
• Potential strategic advantage to China in clean energy leadership.
Impact on India
- Reduced diplomatic pressure on India’s decarbonization trajectory.
• Possible decline in U.S.-led clean technology investments.
• Limited financial impact from ISA exit (U.S. had not contributed financially).
• ISA membership fee structure (2025 decision):
– USD 50,000 for developed countries
– USD 25,000 for developing countries
Relevant Prelims Points:
- UNFCCC (1992) – Framework for global climate negotiations.
• IPCC – Scientific body assessing climate change evidence.
• Kyoto Protocol (1997) – Binding emission targets for developed nations.
• Paris Agreement (2015) – NDC-based framework limiting warming to well below 2°C, pursuing 1.5°C.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA) – India-led alliance of solar-rich countries.
• IRENA – Promotes renewable energy transition globally.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Reflects weakening of multilateral environmental governance.
• Undermines principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC).
• Highlights tension between domestic politics and global climate commitments.
• U.S. disengagement may:
– Slow global climate finance mobilization
– Affect technology diffusion
– Shift renewable energy innovation leadership to Asia - India must navigate between:
– Development imperatives
– Climate commitments
– Strategic energy partnerships
Way Forward
- Strengthen South-South climate cooperation.
• Enhance role of forums like G20, BRICS, and ISA.
• Promote domestic clean energy manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Diversify technology partnerships beyond the U.S.
• Sustain climate ambition irrespective of major power disengagement.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 3 – Environment & Ecology (Climate Governance, Global Agreements)
• GS 2 – International Relations (Multilateralism, Global Leadership)
• Prelims – UNFCCC, IPCC, ISA, Paris Agreement