What's happened
The U.S. will not send a delegation to the IPCC meeting in Hangzhou, China, amid President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. This absence raises concerns about the future of climate policy and the urgency of upcoming reports on global warming, particularly ahead of the 2028 U.N. stocktake.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of U.S. Withdrawal
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Impact on Global Climate Policy: The absence of U.S. officials at the IPCC meeting undermines the collaborative effort needed to address climate change effectively. The U.S. has historically played a pivotal role in shaping international climate agreements.
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Accelerated Timelines: Many countries advocate for an expedited timeline for the IPCC's next report, which is crucial for the 2028 U.N. stocktake. However, the lack of U.S. input may hinder the report's comprehensiveness and credibility.
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Geopolitical Tensions: The meeting occurs against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, particularly with major polluters like China and India opposing rapid assessments. This dynamic complicates consensus-building on climate action.
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Future of Climate Science: The U.S. withdrawal raises questions about the future of climate science and its accessibility. The Association of Small Island States emphasizes the need for actionable climate science to ensure survival against rising sea levels.
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Long-term Consequences: The ongoing disengagement from international climate efforts could lead to a fragmented approach to climate policy, ultimately affecting global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.
What the papers say
According to Kelly Macnamara in The Japan Times, the U.S. absence at the IPCC meeting casts a shadow over the discussions, particularly as the world faces the hottest year on record. The High Ambition Coalition warns that severing the link between the IPCC's findings and the Paris Agreement would undermine its credibility. Eric Roston from Bloomberg highlights that U.S. scientists have been issued a stop-work order, further isolating the country from critical climate discussions. Axios notes that the U.S. had been highly involved in planning for the IPCC's next report, making its withdrawal particularly concerning for future climate policy.
How we got here
The IPCC meeting in Hangzhou, China, from February 24-28, 2025, aims to outline plans for its next major report on climate change. The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the halt of its participation in IPCC assessments have created significant gaps in international climate discussions.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the U.S. not attending?
- How will this affect global climate agreements?
- What is the role of the IPCC in climate science?
Common question
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Why Did the US Withdraw from the IPCC Meeting in China?
The recent decision by the U.S. to withdraw from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting in China has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about its implications for global climate policy. This move, influenced by a stop-work order from the Trump administration, leaves many wondering about the future of international climate cooperation and the upcoming IPCC report.
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How has the Trump administration influenced US climate policy?
The Trump administration's approach to climate policy has sparked significant debate and concern. With the U.S. withdrawing from key international agreements and halting participation in critical climate discussions, many are left wondering about the long-term implications for both domestic and global climate action. Below, we explore common questions surrounding this pivotal issue.
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How are other countries reacting to the US's climate policy changes?
The recent withdrawal of the U.S. from the IPCC meeting in China has sparked a wave of reactions from countries around the world. As the U.S. steps back from its role in global climate discussions, many are left wondering how this will affect international climate agreements and which nations will take the lead in addressing climate change. Below are some common questions regarding the global response to these significant policy changes.
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