The State Department has announced the elimination of the Office of Global Change, responsible for overseeing international climate change negotiations for the United States.
Staff members were informed of this decision verbally on Thursday afternoon, causing chaos within the office and prompting questions about its future closure.
Impact on Global Climate Cooperation
One official expressed concerns about the timing of this move, stating that it could hinder international climate cooperation, especially with the upcoming COP30 global climate talks.
Moreover, the decision was criticized for its potential to create a leadership vacuum that China might exploit to advance its own climate agenda.
Compliance with Presidential Directives
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that President Donald Trump’s directives to withdraw from international agreements led to the office’s elimination.
The spokesperson justified this action by stating that the office’s role in supporting previous administrations’ efforts to limit climate change was deemed unnecessary.
Reorganization Efforts
This announcement follows the recent reorganization of the State Department, which included the elimination of the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
This office worked closely with the Office of Global Change, especially during discussions related to the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
Uncertain Participation in COP30
With the U.S. planning to exit the Paris Agreement, questions arise about its delegation’s attendance at COP30 in Brazil.
It remains unclear whether the U.S. will send representatives to the conference scheduled for November.
Mark Matthews provided additional reporting for this article.
