United States to formally exit United Nations climate convention by February 2027

The Trump administration formalizes the US exit from the UNFCCC, set for Feb 2027, marking a total departure from global climate cooperation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 10:09 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Climate Home News

Formal notification of withdrawal

The United Nations has officially received notice from the Trump administration regarding the intent of the United States to withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UN Secretary General António Guterres confirmed the receipt of the formal documents, setting in motion a one year waiting period as dictated by the terms of the 1992 treaty. This move fulfills a primary campaign promise and follows the administration’s earlier exit from the Paris Agreement in January 2026.

Dissolution of international scientific ties

In addition to leaving the central convention, the administration has announced it will cease participation in sixty five other international organizations and scientific bodies. This list includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which provides the scientific basis for global climate policy, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). White House officials stated that these withdrawals are intended to prevent the wasting of taxpayer funds on agendas they perceive as hostile to American economic strength and national sovereignty.

Cessation of reporting and funding

While the formal exit will not be finalized until early 2027, the United States has already effectively disengaged from its obligations under the treaty. The federal government failed to submit mandatory greenhouse gas emissions data last year and has halted all financial contributions to the UNFCCC. Furthermore, the administration declined to send any official delegates to the COP30 summit held in Brazil, signaling a total shift away from the collaborative leadership role the country previously maintained in climate negotiations.