STATEMENT: U.S. Withdrawal from Global Agreements Puts Our Ocean, Coasts, and Communities at Risk

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, the Trump Administration announced that the United States would be withdrawing from numerous international organizations, conventions, and treaties. Many of these 66 organizations — including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and UN Oceans — focus directly on the health of our ocean and the stability of our climate. Anna-Marie Laura, Ocean Conservancy’s senior director of climate policy, released the following statement: 

“Walking away from global agreements, like the UNFCCC and IPCC, hurts our ocean and our planet by removing the expertise and influence America can provide when it comes to solving global challenges. We share one ocean and one climate, and because these challenges are global, our solutions must be also. 

“These organizations are where the world coordinates to address the super-storms, rising sea levels, and dying fisheries that threaten our coastal communities and our way of life. Decisions made at these global tables affect every American who wants a healthy ocean, safe coasts, and a stable climate. America will be left behind as the rest of the world decides the future of our economy and our safety.

“Now more than ever, it is imperative that U.S. environmental groups and state and local leaders remain engaged in global cooperation. Ocean Conservancy is committed to working with partners around the world to ensure a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.”    

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram.