The federal government’s decision to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and dozens of other international organizations is deeply troubling — but for many working on climate and sustainability, it is not entirely surprising. What is becoming clearer every day is how strongly the fossil fuel industry is influencing this administration’s agenda, even when those choices undermine public safety, affordability, and U.S. economic competitiveness.
Climate impacts are no longer abstract. Local communities across the U.S. are already carrying the costs — in public health, emergency response, infrastructure repair, and community recovery. In 2025, the total cost of weather- and climate-related disasters has climbed to $3.1 trillion, even without any hurricane landing in the U.S., straining public budgets and families alike. And at the same time, energy demand is rising rapidly. New uses, such as data centers, are reshaping the grid. Energy costs are rising substantially, and without smart, resilient planning, those costs will continue to grow — especially for communities that can least afford them.
The reality is that we have a better path — and we are already on it.
Renewable energy is competitive in today’s market, can be built far faster than traditional power plants, and strengthens energy independence. It can reduce emissions while meeting high energy demand with cleaner, more reliable, locally generated power. But instead of leaning into collaboration and innovation, this administration is choosing isolation — stepping away from global cooperation that accelerates solutions.
This decision won’t stop global climate action. It will simply sideline the United States and hand greater influence to other countries that understand the economic and strategic stakes. Nations are moving quickly to lead the clean energy transition, and the U.S. risks falling behind in jobs, manufacturing, investment, and resilience.
But U.S. local governments are not backing down.
“In Riverside, extreme heat and poor air quality are already affecting public health. With ICLEI USA’s support, we convened North America’s first Climate Action Town Hall COP to bring residents, youth, and businesses into shaping climate solutions that reflect local needs. Even as the federal government steps back, cities like Riverside will continue leading to protect our communities and build a more resilient future,” said Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Mayor of Riverside, California, ICLEI USA Board Member.
ICLEI USA represents the oldest, largest, and most diverse network of U.S. local governments committed to sustainability and climate resilience. This year, we celebrate our 35th anniversary, and we have seen the rise and fall of short-sighted, profit-over-people decisions. Through ICLEI USA’s local diplomacy unit, we will support local leaders in staying engaged in global climate cooperation, building international partnerships, and elevating community priorities into national and global discussions. Our members remain focused, because the reality in their communities is constant: local leaders are on the frontlines, protecting residents and investing in the future.
“As the first U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy and former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor for International Affairs, I know cooperation doesn’t start—or end—in Washington. Local governments are indispensable to global climate progress, and ICLEI USA will continue strengthening local diplomacy so cities, towns, counties, regions, and Tribal nations can keep delivering solutions and shaping commitments worldwide,” said Former U.S. Ambassador Nina Hachigian, CEO of the Alliance for Local Leaders International (ALLIES).
We are working toward a future where community membersdon’t have to wait in long lines to save a few cents on gas — because they can power their cars at home with clean electricity generated on their roof or in their neighborhood. Our communities are demanding a power system that is reliable, resilient, affordable, and clean. That future is possible — and U.S. local governments are building it right now.
“Withdrawing from international climate agreements undermines cooperation at a time when Texans are already facing extreme heat, drought, and flooding. Travis County remains committed to working with local and global partners to protect residents, reduce climate risks, and strengthen our economy,” shared Brigid Shea, Commissioner of Travis County, Texas, and Board Chair of ICLEI USA.
The federal government may be walking away from global collaboration, but local leaders are staying in the work. ICLEI USA will continue supporting communities across the country to accelerate clean energy, strengthen resilience, reduce emissions, and protect the well-being of residents.