US to Leave Climate Treaty Amid Energy Shifts
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on January 10, 2026
The Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw the US from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and 65 other international organizations. This move, detailed in a White House memorandum, states these bodies “no longer serve American interests.” Simultaneously, global oil prices fell slightly following a US operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, creating uncertainty surrounding the country’s substantial crude reserves.
US Withdrawal from UNFCCC and IPCC
The Trump administration has announced its intention to withdraw the US from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in addition to exiting 65 other international organizations. The White House memorandum cited that these bodies “no longer serve American interests.” The UNFCCC counts all other nations as members, and this withdrawal cements US isolation from the rest of the world in the fight against climate change.
The US is also exiting other climate-related bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This exit will result in the withdrawal of US funding from these organizations, potentially significantly limiting their global influence. Carbon Brief has published an in-depth Q&A on what Trump’s move means for global climate action.
Oil Prices and Venezuela
Global oil prices fell slightly this week after a US operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro created uncertainty over the future of the world’s largest crude reserves. While Venezuela produces less than 1% of global oil output, it holds approximately 17% of the world’s proven crude reserves, giving it the potential to significantly increase global supply.
Trump stated that Venezuela “will be turning over” 30-50 million barrels of oil to the US, valued at around $2.8 billion. He claims this oil will be sold at market price and used to benefit both the people of Venezuela and the US. This announcement came with few details but marks a significant step up in US government efforts to extend its economic influence in Venezuela.
Global Climate Events
Several climate-related events occurred around the world this week.
At least 16 people have been killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rain in Indonesia. Much of Australia is engulfed in an extreme heatwave, with three people missing amid out-of-control bushfires in Victoria.
The EU’s landmark carbon border levy, known as “CBAM,” came into force on January 1, despite fierce opposition from trading partners and European industry. China’s Ministry of Commerce and eight other government departments released an action plan to accelerate the country’s “green transition of consumption.” Prominent Indian climate activist Harjeet Singh was arrested following a raid on his home, accused of “misusing foreign funds to influence government policies,” a charge he rejects.
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UK Renewable Energy
The UK’s electricity supply was primarily sourced from renewables in 2025, exceeding all other sources.
Further Reading
Deforestation due to the mining of “energy transition minerals” is a major, but overlooked source of emissions in global energy transition. Up to three million people living in the Sudd wetland region of South Sudan are currently at risk of being exposed to flooding. In China, the emissions intensity of goods purchased online has dropped by one-third since 2000, while the emissions intensity of goods purchased in stores has tripled over that time.
Job Opportunities
Several positions are currently available, including a global director at the WRI Polsky Energy Center, a strategic communications director for the UK government’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency, a head of climate and international policy at The Wildlife Trusts, and a senior manager for climate at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
Analysis: Africa’s Just Energy Transition
Carbon Brief spoke with Ibrahima Aidara, deputy Africa director of the Natural Resource Governance Institute, about what a just energy transition means for the African continent.
Aidara emphasized that African nations are striving to boost their energy security while addressing climate change concerns. He noted that while African leaders are rightly emphasizing universal energy access, industrialization, and job creation, there are still important blind spots, including the distributional impacts within countries, governance gaps, and the question of who pays for the transition.
He argued that African countries still have a case for developing new oil and gas projects, but only if it supports long-term development, domestic energy access, and fiscal stability in a transitioning world. Aidara concluded that international partners must accept African leadership and priorities to ensure a successful and just energy transition.
Additional Resources
- A column in Folha de São Paulo examined the climate impact of extracting more oil from Venezuela.
- Climate Home News argued for COP presidencies to focus less on climate policy and more on global politics.
- The Hindu unpacked what the EU’s carbon border tax means for India and global trade.
