US Withdrawal Paris Climate Agreement: Race to the Bottom Threat
- Amnesty International strongly criticized the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, stating it establishes a risky precedent that could undermine global climate action.
- The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement represents a purposeful effort to dismantle international cooperation on climate change and potentially instigate a "race to the bottom" among nations.
- schaaf specifically noted the US is not alone in opposing climate action, but its influence as a superpower amplifies the harm caused by its decisions.
US Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Condemned by Amnesty International
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Amnesty International strongly criticized the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, stating it establishes a risky precedent that could undermine global climate action. Marta Schaaf, Amnesty International’s Program Director for climate, ESJ and Corporate Accountability, released a statement on January 27, 2026, expressing deep concern over the decision.
Undermining Global Climate Cooperation
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement represents a purposeful effort to dismantle international cooperation on climate change and potentially instigate a ”race to the bottom” among nations. This action, coupled with the US withdrawal from other climate pacts, signals a broader strategy to prioritize fossil fuels over climate mitigation.
schaaf specifically noted the US is not alone in opposing climate action, but its influence as a superpower amplifies the harm caused by its decisions. She further accused the US of “coercion and bullying” of other countries and actors to increase their reliance on fossil fuels,which threatens over a decade of progress made under the Paris Agreement.
For context, the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.The full text of the Paris Agreement is available on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website.
Remaining Legal Obligations
Despite withdrawing from the agreement, the United States retains certain legal obligations related to climate change. Amnesty International’s statement emphasizes that the US cannot fully absolve itself of responsibility for addressing the climate crisis.
The US initially joined the Paris Agreement in November 2016,but formally announced its withdrawal in November 2020. The State Department’s announcement of the withdrawal details the process and rationale behind the decision.
Amnesty International’s Position
Amnesty International views climate change as a human rights issue, arguing that its impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The organization advocates for ambitious climate action to protect human rights and prevent further harm.
In a report published in 2023, Amnesty International detailed the human rights consequences of climate change, including displacement, food insecurity, and increased conflict. The report calls for governments to prioritize climate mitigation and adaptation measures that respect and protect human rights.