The United States has officially notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, with the exit set to take effect on January 27, 2026, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced.
Speaking at a news briefing in New York on Tuesday, Dujarric reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to addressing climate change, despite the U.S.’s decision.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the Paris Agreement and to supporting all effective efforts to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” he said.
The Paris Agreement, adopted by 193 countries in December 2015, aims to keep global temperature increases below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The U.S. signed the accord on April 22, 2016, but withdrew under former President Donald Trump, with the exit taking effect on November 4, 2020. The country rejoined under President Joe Biden on February 19, 2021.
Despite the latest withdrawal, the international community continues to work toward the agreement’s goals, with global efforts to combat climate change remaining a priority.
In a related development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent global action to tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which affect more than one billion people worldwide.
According to the UN health agency, between 800 and 900 million people receive treatment for at least one NTD annually. However, progress remains hindered by limited funding and ongoing conflicts. WHO also warned that global warming is worsening the spread of these diseases.
NTDs, which include Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue, chikungunya, and dracunculiasis, disproportionately affect impoverished communities and are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
As World Neglected Tropical Disease Day approaches on Thursday, WHO highlighted that 54 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD, with a global target of 100 countries achieving the same by 2030.
