US Mayors Criticize President Trump’s Withdrawal from the UNFCCC As Dangerous For the Health and Safety of Americans

8 January, 2026 - The US Federal Government's decision to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and 65 additional international climate, labor, and human rights agreements is a self-inflicted blow to the US and its residents.

Following the announcement, US mayors highlighted how the decision fails to bring the benefits of cheaper, cleaner energy to the American people, fails to protect Americans from extreme weather, and fails to prepare the US for the jobs of the future.

Mayors emphasized that by withdrawing from the UNFCCC, the US is forfeiting a crucial opportunity to influence and benefit from the global transition away from fossil fuels and invest in sustainable growth, trade, and development. This is a profound loss for a nation that will now be sidelined from global efforts to drive solutions for a cleaner and more equitable future.

Despite the Trump Administration stepping back, US cities, states, and other actors are stepping up and continuing to lead. In November, over 100 mayors and leaders from US cities took part in the COP30 Local Leaders Forum and continued to demonstrate US city and state climate leadership at COP30 in Brazil. Last year, following the announcement of the US' intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement in January, a Bloomberg Philanthropies-led coalition was assembled by C40 Cities Board President Michael Bloomberg to cover the U.S. funding gap to the UNFCCC.

The withdrawal reinforces the new global reality: solving the world's problems requires global cooperation, and city and local leaders play an increasingly critical role in the coordination and partnership needed to deliver solutions for local communities. As climate disasters wreak havoc on communities around the world, mayors of major US cities understand they must act to keep families safe, confront the rising costs of energy and extreme weather, and improve lives and livelihoods.

Said C40 Cities Regional Director for North America, Kate Johnson, "Climate denialism will not stop the devastating impacts of climate change on people's lives. The US Federal Government's decision to withdraw from the UNFCCC is a dangerous retreat from global leadership at a time when we need more collaboration to solve global problems - not less. Going forward, strong city and state-level networks, like C40 Cities, will become even more critical for collective action at the national and international level. Despite the challenges, US Mayors won't back down. Along with mayors around the world, they are stepping up to deliver healthier, safer, and affordable cities."

Said C40 Vice Chair and Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego, "Across the country, including in Phoenix, the impacts of climate change are an indisputable reality - one that is already having serious consequences on our communities' health, safety, and security. The United States' participation in the UNFCCC has never come at the cost of our national autonomy or unique priorities, so this decision is nothing more than a short-sighted political move without benefit."

As the world's largest economy and a major driver of innovation and creativity, this withdrawal reflects a devastating retreat of American leadership on one of the most critical issues we face. By refusing to engage with nations around the world, America misses vital opportunities to shape the future and cedes ground to our competitors. Whether or not the federal administration shows up, Phoenix will continue to take action to meet the needs of our community and live up to our country's ideals of bold leadership."

Said Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson, "The President's decision to withdraw from the UNFCCC is more than symbolic - it's a direct hit to American lives and livelihoods. In cities like Chicago, we're already feeling the effects: record-breaking heat waves, soaring energy costs,and unprecedented flooding. But unlike the federal government, we're rising to meet the challenges. We're investing in green infrastructure, expanding clean energy production, and building sustainable and affordable housing in communities hit hardest by climate change. We'll continue to share our successes with cities around the world to ensure that, even when the federal government fails us, we will keep progress marching forward for our communities."

Said Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson, "Austin residents have seen the very real, very painful impacts that climate change is having on our lives, from extreme flooding and heatwaves to increased costs of electricity and insurance. Now is not the time to look the other way - we need real solutions that improve and save people's lives. While the rest of the world is moving forward, investing in clean energy, green jobs, and climate resilience - the United States cannot afford to be left behind. Backing out of the UNFCCC is bad policy. It's bad economics and a betrayal of future generations of Americans."

Said Portland Mayor, Keith Wilson, "By withdrawing from the global pact to tackle climate change, the federal government is once again threatening the health and safety of Americans and surrendering the fights for clean air, clean water, affordable energy, and protections from extreme weather. Portland will not walk away from our commitments to local climate action and healthier communities. I am proud of our work to cut emissions, grow the green economy, reduce energy burdens, and address environmental justice. With or without the federal government, we will continue to work with our international partners to deliver results for Portland residents."