NAIROBI, Jan 15, 2026 – Recent actions by President Donald Trump have marked a significant shift in the United States’ stance on climate change. His administration aims to withdraw the U.S. from critical international climate agreements, risking severe implications for global cooperation on environmental issues.
Yamide Dagnet, from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), sees this as part of a broader pattern rather than a sudden change. In January 2025, Trump attempted to exit the Paris Agreement, which plays a vital role in global efforts to combat climate change. The U.S. has also cut funding for climate initiatives, moving away from support for programs like the Green Climate Fund.
Dagnet recognizes the challenge but remains hopeful. “This isn’t a catastrophe,” she says. “Only one nation has formally withdrawn from the U.N. climate framework; others are still committed.”
Legal experts, like Jake Schmidt from NRDC, mention that the constitutionality of such withdrawals is not clear. The U.S. is currently the only country outside the U.N. climate treaty—a move that could be reversed by future administrations. Still, as of January 27, 2026, the U.S. will not participate in international climate negotiations unless it re-engages.
Despite these setbacks, Dagnet emphasizes that global cooperation remains crucial. She believes that while the U.S. steps back, many countries are pushing forward with ambitious climate agendas. Notably, even without U.S. participation, COP30 produced a comprehensive climate action plan focusing on collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society.
Dagnet stresses the importance of diverse funding sources for climate initiatives. Governments are not the only answer; non-state actors and the private sector can also play significant roles.
The U.S. has not met many of its climate finance commitments, which raises concerns about support for developing countries. In fact, the Climate Action Tracker highlighted that, even under President Biden, U.S. climate contributions remained inadequate.
Dagnet remains practical and optimistic. She recently participated in the Resilient Cities Forum, where leaders and experts shared innovative ideas for building sustainable cities, reinforcing her belief in collaborative solutions.
“The worst thing we can do is lose our creativity and willingness to innovate,” Dagnet concludes. It’s a call for resilience in the face of adversity, illustrating that the fight against climate change is far from over.
For continued updates on this topic, check out these resources from the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Climate Action Tracker.
