Context:
The United States has announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a foundational global climate treaty adopted in 1992. The decision has triggered international concern, particularly from the European Union (EU), which has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral climate action.
Key Highlights:
About the UNFCCC
- Adopted at the Rio Earth Summit (1992).
• Objective: Prevent “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”
• Provides the framework for:
– Kyoto Protocol (1997)
– Paris Agreement (2015)
• Nearly universal membership.
U.S. Decision
- Withdrawal aligns with administration’s emphasis on national sovereignty over multilateral commitments.
• White House reportedly reviewing and exiting 66 global organizations and treaties.
• U.S. is:
– World’s largest economy
– Second-largest greenhouse gas emitter
Global Reactions
- European Union criticized the move.
• EU reaffirmed continued commitment to climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• Concerns over weakening global consensus and climate finance commitments.
Implications
- Potential weakening of:
– Climate finance flows
– Technology transfer
– Emission reduction cooperation - May impact global ambition under the Paris Agreement framework.
• Raises questions about leadership vacuum in climate diplomacy.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- UNFCCC (1992) – Framework treaty for global climate governance.
• Conference of Parties (COP) – Supreme decision-making body of UNFCCC.
• Kyoto Protocol – Legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations.
• Paris Agreement – Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)-based framework.
• Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) – CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs etc.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Undermines principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC).
• Challenges multilateralism amid rising climate vulnerability.
• May slow progress on:
– Net-zero commitments
– Climate adaptation funding
– Global carbon markets - Opens space for EU, China, and emerging economies to shape climate leadership.
• India’s role becomes more significant in balancing development and climate action.
Way Forward
- Strengthen plurilateral and regional climate coalitions.
• Enhance domestic climate action irrespective of global uncertainties.
• Promote climate finance reforms and private sector participation.
• Build alternative leadership platforms through G20, BRICS, and Global South initiatives.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3 – Environment & Ecology (Climate Change, Global Treaties)
• GS 2 – International Relations (Multilateralism, Global Governance)
• Prelims – UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, CBDR Principle