What's happened
The US will not send high-level officials to the upcoming UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, reflecting ongoing opposition to multilateral climate efforts under President Trump. Other world leaders, including China, are also skipping the event. Despite this, US subnational actors continue climate actions independently, highlighting a divided global approach to climate policy.
What's behind the headline?
The US's decision to skip the Belém summit underscores its ongoing rejection of multilateral climate diplomacy, which weakens global efforts to curb emissions. The absence of US leadership risks fragmenting international cooperation, especially as other major nations also opt out. However, subnational US actors, including states and companies, continue climate initiatives, demonstrating a persistent, if isolated, commitment to climate action. This divergence highlights the challenge of aligning national policies with local efforts and the potential for a fractured global response. The summit's reduced participation may slow progress on ambitious targets, but it also signals a shift towards more regional and bilateral climate strategies. The international community must now navigate a landscape where US influence is diminished, and cooperation depends increasingly on non-federal actors and other nations willing to lead.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the US will not send high-level officials to the Belém summit, emphasizing the Trump administration's hostile stance towards multilateral climate efforts. The Guardian highlights that this absence is unprecedented, with no official US delegation, and notes the broader context of US opposition to international climate policies. Bloomberg details the US's aggressive tactics to block climate initiatives, including threats of tariffs and sanctions, aimed at undermining global agreements. Meanwhile, The Japan Times and The Independent discuss the implications of US absence, noting that many countries and leaders are skipping the event, and that US subnational actors remain active in climate policy despite federal opposition. The coverage collectively underscores the US's diminished role in this year's negotiations and the potential consequences for global climate cooperation.
How we got here
The US began withdrawing from the Paris Agreement under President Trump, who called climate change a 'con job' and prioritized fossil fuel interests. This stance led to the US not participating in recent climate negotiations, with the current administration maintaining a hostile approach. Meanwhile, global efforts have faced setbacks, with many countries delaying or opposing ambitious climate policies amid geopolitical tensions and economic concerns.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is the US Not Attending the Climate Summit in Brazil?
The upcoming UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil, has seen notable absences, including the United States. This has raised questions about the reasons behind the US's decision and what it means for global climate efforts. Many wonder how the US's absence impacts international negotiations and whether other countries are also skipping the event. Here, we explore the key reasons for the US's non-participation and what it could mean for future climate action worldwide.
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Why Is the US Skipping COP30 in Belém?
The US's absence from COP30 in Belém has raised many questions about its impact on global climate efforts. With high-level officials not attending, many wonder what this means for international negotiations and climate action. Despite the US's strategic withdrawal, subnational actors continue to push forward with climate initiatives. Below, we explore the reasons behind the US's decision, its implications, and what other countries are doing at COP30.
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Why Is the US Not Attending the Climate Summit in Brazil?
The absence of the United States from the upcoming climate summit in Brazil has raised many questions. With the US traditionally playing a key role in global climate negotiations, its decision to skip this event signals significant shifts in international climate politics. Many wonder what this means for global efforts to combat climate change and how other nations are responding. Below, we explore the reasons behind the US's absence, its implications, and what actions are still happening at subnational levels.
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What Are the Main Issues at COP30 and Why Do Some Countries Skip the Talks?
COP30 is the latest global climate summit where world leaders gather to discuss urgent climate action. However, not all countries participate fully, and the summit faces criticism over ongoing issues like emissions, disinformation, and political divisions. Curious about what’s really happening at COP30? Here are the key questions and answers to help you understand the current climate diplomacy landscape.
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Why Are World Leaders Skipping Key Summits and What Are the Implications?
Recent international events have seen a notable absence of some of the world's top leaders from major summits. From the US boycotting climate talks to Trump skipping the G20 over land claims, these decisions raise questions about global cooperation. What do these absences mean for international diplomacy and future collaborations? Below, we explore the key reasons behind these moves and their potential impact on global politics.
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