The Global Renewables Alliance has criticised the decision by the United States to withdraw from the UNFCCC, IRENA and several other international conventions.
The organisation said the move represents a step away from multilateral cooperation on climate change mitigation and the energy transition at a time when international coordination is critical.
It added that the US is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters and highly vulnerable to climate impacts, while 198 countries continue to work together through the UNFCCC.
Bruce Douglas (pictured), chief executive of the Global Renewables Alliance, said: “The renewable energy transition is the economic opportunity of the century. By stepping away, the US is choosing to miss out on jobs, investment and industrial growth that are already reshaping the global economy. The rest of the world is moving forward, together.”
He added: “These conventions are not symbolic. They are catalysts for collaboration that underpin climate action, strengthen security and unlock growth across borders. And while the US administration is stepping back, US companies, investors and states continue to choose renewables because it is the fastest, most competitive and secure path forward. In a global economy, there is only one Earth and one future, and the energy transition is accelerating with or without US participation.”