Under President Donald Trump, the United States has recently withdrawn from several key international climate and sustainable development initiatives, including the Loss and Damage Fund and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a dramatic tide of unprecedented policy shift. These decisions threaten not only global action on climate change but also endanger wildlife, ecosystems, and the broader environment. The article discusses the impact of these actions.
Withdrawal From the Loss and Damage Fund
The Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP27 in 2022, was meant to compensate developing countries affected by climate-related disasters. The U.S. pledged $17.5 million to the fund but has since removed its representatives from its board, putting its future participation into question. This move undermines global solidarity in tackling climate justice, hampering the financial support needed to help vulnerable countries.
Impact on Developing Nations
The US withdrawal from the fund has a disproportionate impact on developing countries, particularly the small island states that are most at risk from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. These nations are left with fewer resources to cope with climate impacts brought about, in large part, by the emissions of industrialized countries such as the US.
Threats to Wildlife and Ecosystems
Climate change exacerbates threats to wildlife by changing habitats, disrupting food sources, and increasing competition with invasive species. For example, increasing temperatures have already caused habitats to disappear for species such as brook trout and wood thrushes in North America. A lack of US climate funding leadership puts global biodiversity in jeopardy.
Rising Temperatures and Habitat Destruction
Rising temperatures destabilize ecosystems by forcing native species to adapt or migrate. Plants bloom prematurely, disrupting pollinator life cycles, while invasive species flourish in warmer climates, outcompeting native wildlife. Such changes call for urgent and coordinated global action.
Extreme Weather Events and Flooding
Increased precipitation and flooding destroy habitats, erode soil, and pollute waterways, straining ecosystems further. These destructive patterns will continue to escalate unless adequate funding for mitigation efforts is provided.
US Rejection of the 2030 Agenda
The United States also voted against the reaffirmation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, again based on concerns about sovereignty and “soft global governance.” This agenda consists of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) that aim to tackle issues ranging from poverty alleviation to gender equality to climate action—all goals severely deprioritized by the US administration.
Recommended Action for SDGs
The rejection of SDG-related resolutions undermines international cooperation on these and other pressing issues, including biodiversity conservation (SDG 15) and combating climate action (SDG 13). Such objectives are crucial for ecological balance and a more sustainable future.
Voting Against International Days of Peaceful Coexistence and Hope
The US was one of only three countries opposed to the establishment of an International Day of Peaceful Coexistence. It also voted against an International Day of Hope resolution, saying it would conflict with its domestic policies on diversity and inclusion. Such actions represent a retreat from multilateralism.
Broader Anti-Climate Agenda
Since his inauguration in January 2025, President Trump developed a more widespread anti-climate agenda by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, halting overseas development aid, and restricting federal scientists from participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) activities.
The Impact on Global Climate Leadership
The US withdrawal from these initiatives diminishes its role as a global leader in climate action. This loss of moral authority might deter other nations from complying with their commitments under international accords such as the Paris Accord.
Wildlife Conservation Programs and Scientific Research Under Threat
Cuts to federal funding have already disrupted conservation programs under agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). In previous shutdowns, the enforcement of laws such as the Endangered Species Act was severely limited, leaving wildlife vulnerable to exploitation. Agencies like NOAA have been ordered to halt work related to IPCC assessments. This limits scientific understanding of climate effects and prevents evidence-based policymaking necessary to preserve ecosystems.
A Call for Renewed Commitment
The cumulative effect of these decisions is a weakened global response to climate change when urgent action is needed to protect wildlife and ecosystems. To reduce these risks and secure humanity’s future and prosperity, re-establishing international frameworks for multilateral cooperation is essential.
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