Such a move means the US will no longer be able to attend COPs, losing its place as a valuable mediator in global climate talks. Take the example of COP30 in Belem, where an absent US meant oil-producing countries were able to blow off talks to produce a ‘road map’ on transitioning away from oil and gas. Certainly, a future in which the US can no longer choose to enter these conversations will spell disaster for a unified front in combating climate change.
Sticking together in such troubling times is particularly important, considering Copernicus data revealed this week has shown 2025 was the third-hottest year since records began. As professor of climate hazards at University College London Bill McGuire says: 'Whichever way you look at it, dangerous climate breakdown has arrived, but with little sign that the world is prepared or even paying serious attention.'
Victoria Heath Digital Editor, Geographical | 
