Ten years after the historic signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, the United States’ withdrawal from the accord has cast a shadow over international efforts. The decision, driven by shifting domestic political priorities, has left many concerned about the future of global climate action. However, as the world’s largest emitter takes a step back, other nations are stepping up with renewed urgency.
At the forefront of this evolving climate landscape is Brazil, the host of the upcoming COP30 Climate Summit to be held in Belém this November. While the U.S. has retreated from its climate commitments, Brazil is seizing the opportunity to demonstrate that global climate ambition can endure, even without U.S. leadership.
The U.S. reversal on climate policy under President Donald Trump has been drastic. The administration has initiated a broad rollback of international environmental commitments, alarming allies, climate scientists, and environmental advocates worldwide. This includes the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a major provider of green financing and climate aid, and the cancellation of billions of dollars in U.S. climate-related funding. The U.S. has also paused or repealed clean energy incentives, withdrawn from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and exited the Paris Climate Agreement.
These actions have had ripple effects globally, particularly in Europe, where the U.S. withdrawal has complicated transatlantic cooperation and placed greater responsibility on the European Union (EU) to sustain climate diplomacy. The EU is already facing its own challenges in meeting its ambitious climate goals, including difficult macroeconomic conditions, political backlash against climate regulations, and a substantial funding gap in its green development efforts.
In contrast, Brazil, under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has made climate diplomacy a central pillar of its international strategy. The country has submitted an ambitious target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 59% to 67% by 2035 from 2005 levels, and is mobilizing regional and international support for stronger climate action. This includes urging China, India, and EU member states to raise their climate ambitions ahead of COP30. Brazil’s success in balancing economic opportunity with climate action is proving to be an inspiration for the Global South.
Meanwhile, China has taken a decisive role in filling the void left by the U.S. withdrawal. In addition to announcing new emissions reduction targets, China has also launched green financial instruments overseas, including a successful issuance of RMB 6 billion in green sovereign bonds in London. This has diversified its funding sources and demonstrated its confidence and determination in developing a green transformation. China’s approach has been praised by countries such as Brazil, Pacific island nations, and African countries, and is seen as a model for using financial innovation to accelerate energy transformation.
As the world marks ten years since the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, the global climate landscape is facing new challenges and opportunities. While the U.S. may have stepped back, other nations are stepping up to lead the charge towards a low-carbon future. The upcoming COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil will provide a platform for further collaboration and action, demonstrating that even in the absence of U.S. leadership, global climate ambition can endure.
