Recently, the Trump administration decided to withdraw U.S. scientists from important UN climate change assessments. This move is part of a bigger pattern of stepping back from climate change efforts and international cooperation.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been affected by this decision. It means U.S. representatives will not be attending a crucial Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting in Hangzhou, China, which is scheduled for next week.
The meeting from February 24-28 is set to make significant decisions for the upcoming global climate assessment. Topics on the agenda include the future of carbon removal and capture technology. The absence of U.S. participation could impact the process, as shared conclusions from various countries help guide global actions on climate change.
Although American scientists will still conduct research relevant to the IPCC, the U.S. withdrawal from these discussions is concerning. Delta Merner from the Union of Concerned Scientists expressed that without the U.S. input, it might be challenging to establish a unified approach to climate solutions.
China’s foreign ministry mentioned they were not aware of the U.S. withdrawal, highlighting a lack of communication around this issue. The U.S. was also co-chairing a working group focused on climate mitigation, which aims to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the U.S. had pledged $1.5 million to support the IPCC, though that funding was still pending approval from Congress.
This withdrawal isn’t surprising given President Trump’s previous actions, including pulling the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement and reducing international climate financing. Experts, like Kathryn Bowen from Melbourne University, noted that federal support for climate science is dwindling. Over the years, funding for authors involved in the IPCC process has diminished, affecting researchers, particularly from developing countries.
In summary, while some American scientists will still focus on climate research, the broader U.S. withdrawal from the IPCC could have lasting effects on the global fight against climate change. Collaboration and funding are key elements for progress, and the current trends raise concerns about future efforts.
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Donald Trump, US, Climate change, IPCC< Climate crisis, Environment News, India Today Environment
