International Climate Agreements

International climate agreements represent humanity’s collective effort to address global warming through binding treaties and voluntary commitments. The Paris Agreement brings together nearly 200 countries to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius[1][6]. The United States has shifted participation over time, including a recent withdrawal process initiated in January 2025[2][4].

The Paris Agreement and U.S. Participation

Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement requires nations to set their own emissions-reduction targets[6]. It allows withdrawal after three years with one year’s notice to the UN Depositary, effective November 4, 2020, at the earliest for early parties[1]. The U.S. withdrew under Trump in 2017 (effective 2020), rejoined under Biden in 2021, and began withdrawing again via executive order on January 20, 2025[2][4][5].

How Withdrawals Work and Their Consequences

Withdrawal involves formal notification to the UN, taking effect one year later unless specified otherwise[1][2]. The 2025 U.S. action halts financial commitments to funds like the Green Climate Fund, impacting developing nations’ clean energy efforts[2][4]. Parties remain obligated until effective[1].

State and Local Action

Despite federal shifts, the U.S. Climate Alliance unites 24 states and territories to meet Paris goals independently. Businesses and local leaders also uphold commitments across government levels.