
Yesterday, the United States decided to withdraw once again from the #ParisAgreement, marking the second such withdrawal during Trump's administrations.
The withdrawal signals a total shift in the climate policy of the world's second largest greenhouse gas emitter. The US administration will prioritise fossil fuel production and roll back previous clean energy initiatives, in a context where the global carbon budget is estimated to be between 275 GtCO2e and zero. This gives the rest of the world all the more reason to meet and exceed our net zero targets.Â
Whilst some U.S. business groups and chambers will be celebrating, the majority of U.S. associations, professional bodies will now likely face intense pressure to scale back their climate advocacy, member facing sustainability support, and net zero strategies.
Membership organisation and NGO leaders in the U.S. will be concerned about threat of penalties or other obstacles. This creates a difficult environment for those associations that genuinely understand the science, and how the impacts of climate change will impact their members businesses and livelihoods in the future, not to mention the missed opportunities for U.S. businesses that are not part of the clean energy transition.
World leaders and major economies remain committed to reducing emissions and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, as reaffirmed at COP28 and businesses across the globe continue to step up, investing in clean solutions, and recognizing the opportunities of climate leadership. Â
We look forward to welcoming the U.S. back into the Paris Agreement in the future. However, in the meantime, Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) stands firm and continues to support U.S. membership associations committed to advancing their members’, industry, business net zero strategies.
CAFA will continue to provide resources and peer support for any U.S. association needing assistance and are on hand to confidentially talk through and help to address the challenges your association and your members may face during this administration.
CAFA remains steadfast in our dedication to the goals of the Paris Agreement and a sustainable, prosperous future.
For further information about our sustainability and net zero advisory resources, support and solutions specifically for membership organisations email info@cafacollective.org to arrange a confidential call.
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