January might feel a bit early to name a “word of the year,” but I’ve already got mine: multilateralism. This idea emphasizes that shared problems need shared solutions. It’s about all countries working together for the future of our planet, where everyone’s rights matter. When we cooperate, we can achieve more than when we act alone.
Multilateralism is crucial in climate diplomacy, but it faces serious challenges now. Populism and conflict are on the rise. For instance, during Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. stepped away from multilateral efforts, favoring deals between major powers. Yet, to truly combat climate change, we need to unite.
Take the recent Cop30 UN climate summit held in Brazil. There, the Belém deal emerged. While it wasn’t a complete failure, it fell short. It failed to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and only offered a vague agreement on phasing out fossil fuels. Still, it showed that progress is possible, even amid geopolitical tensions.
However, a warning sign lingered as Cop30 concluded. Previous fears about U.S. influence were evident. Trump had already started the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and his administration’s tactics at climate discussions sparked concern. Reports from an earlier International Maritime Organization meeting revealed pressure tactics from U.S. representatives, bullying smaller nations into compliance.
Looking ahead, Cop31 in Turkey in 2026 will be critical. Governments will need to address insufficient national plans to cut emissions, which currently predict a concerning 2.5°C rise in global temperatures. The unusual joint presidency of Australia and Turkey at Cop31 presents both challenges and opportunities for cooperation.
This month, the European Union will also unveil its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This “green tariff” aims to penalize imports from countries with lax emissions standards, pushing for fairer competition. While EU officials argue it promotes cooperation, many developing countries see it as an unfair trade barrier.
Despite setbacks at Cop30, the drive for a formal phase-out of fossil fuels is still alive. Over 80 countries wanted to create a legally binding roadmap for this transition. While they didn’t succeed, there’s a Plan B: countries willing to collaborate will gather for a conference in Colombia this April. These smaller “coalitions of the willing” can still demonstrate the power of multilateralism.
In a world where climate crises are becoming more frequent, relying solely on individual nations isn’t enough. Historical patterns show that when countries work together, everyone benefits. As we reflect on a decade since the Paris Agreement, embracing multilateralism remains crucial. It’s our best chance for a sustainable future amidst growing challenges.
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