This week in Belém, Brazil, global leaders, scientists, and activists are converging for COP30 – the United Nations’ flagship climate conference. But in a first since 1995, the Trump administration opted not to send an official delegation, raising questions about America’s role in the race to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
The decision follows a government shutdown that ended last week. Over its month-long span, the hiatus froze funding across key agencies, from the Environmental Protection Agency to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Projects aimed at reducing industrial emissions, restoring wetlands, and monitoring air quality were paused, leaving critical data gaps and delaying local and international climate initiatives.
With federal programs stalled, state governments and private partners scrambled to fill the void. Some cities launched community-led clean energy schemes, but these efforts only scratch the surface of the shortfall. Unmonitored pollution spikes in industrial regions underscored how quickly progress can unravel when funding dries up.
In Belém, other nations seized the moment to strengthen cooperation on renewable energy, adaptation strategies, and climate finance. From G20 heavyweights to vulnerable island states, negotiators emphasized urgency. Yet without a full US presence, advocacy groups worry that global momentum has lost a key ally at a pivotal moment.
Looking ahead to COP31 in late 2026, many young activists, entrepreneurs, and innovators are calling for a swift US comeback. Delegates from Pacific island coalitions underscore that climate change waits for no shutdown, highlighting the urgent need for uninterrupted global cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
