Why the U.S. is Failing in Climate Action: Shocking Audubon Revelations You Can’t Ignore!

WASHINGTON – This week, the United States announced it would withdraw from participation in several key international climate and conservation bodies, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). While the National Audubon Society acknowledges the value of an America First approach, it also emphasizes the importance of ongoing global engagement to address environmental challenges that impact American birds, communities, and ecosystems.

For decades, these international organizations have served as vital platforms for governments, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and civil society to share information, align strategies, and develop practical solutions to environmental issues that transcend national borders. Established in 1992 and ratified by the U.S. Congress with bipartisan support, the UNFCCC has provided a framework for nations to collaborate on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are responsible for extreme weather events and deteriorating ecosystems. The convention also focuses on increasing resilience to changing weather patterns and encouraging financial investments in climate action. Similarly, the IUCN, IPCC, and IPBES have played critical roles in ensuring that decisions affecting birds, people, and ecosystems are grounded in the best available science and real-world experience.

The National Audubon Society understands the importance of prioritizing American interests and strengthening domestic leadership, and we believe protecting our natural resources and communities is fully aligned with that goal. Environmental changes do not stop at national borders, and continued engagement with international partners has helped advance science innovation and practical solutions that benefit the United States. Regardless of shifts in formal participation, it remains critical that the United States continues to engage with international partners on climate, biodiversity, and conservation issues. Strong collaboration helps protect natural resources, supports economic resilience, and reinforces America’s tradition of leadership in science, energy, infrastructure, and problem-solving.

Chris Dragisic, Managing Director, Global Policy at the National Audubon Society

The implications of this decision extend beyond diplomatic relations; they touch on fundamental issues of public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. As climate change intensifies, its effects are increasingly felt in local communities across the U.S., manifesting in wildfires, flooding, and habitat destruction—issues that directly threaten both wildlife and human populations. For instance, the loss of biodiversity can exacerbate conditions that lead to increased natural disasters, putting more strain on communities and local economies.

Moreover, withdrawal from these international frameworks could isolate the U.S. in global conversations on climate action, placing domestic interests at risk. The interconnected nature of climate issues means that retreating from global discussions may hinder the development of comprehensive solutions that benefit the nation as a whole. As highlighted by Audubon, the future of America’s wildlife and communities is intrinsically linked to international efforts aimed at mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

Audubon, a leading nonprofit conservation organization with over 120 years of commitment to protecting birds and their habitats, emphasizes the critical role of birds as indicators of environmental health. Acting as sentinels, birds warn us of environmental changes and inspire collective action. The organization’s work spans the Western Hemisphere, driven by the belief that what benefits birds also benefits the planet. With a dedicated staff of 800 and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is committed to fostering a collaborative, bipartisan approach that yields meaningful, lasting conservation outcomes.

In summary, while the U.S. government’s decision to step back from international climate discussions aims to prioritize domestic goals, the National Audubon Society and other organizations stress the necessity of maintaining global partnerships. The environmental challenges of today require collective efforts and innovations that can ultimately safeguard not only America’s natural resources but also its future economic resilience and leadership on the global stage. As climate issues continue to evolve, so too must our strategies for addressing them, ensuring that both people and wildlife thrive for generations to come.

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Through a collaborative approach across habitats and political lines, Audubon seeks to drive meaningful conservation outcomes. To learn more, visit www.audubon.org or follow Audubon on social media @audubonsociety.

Media Contact: Jeff Billington, [email protected]