The White House has announced a sweeping withdrawal from international climate and clean energy organizations, marking a significant shift in US global environmental policy. The administration will end funding and withdraw from 66 international organizations, comprising 35 non-United Nations bodies and 31 UN organizations that focus on clean energy and climate change initiatives.

Major Organizations Affected

The withdrawal encompasses several key international bodies working on renewable energy and climate action:

Background and Process

The announcement follows a comprehensive review conducted by the Secretary of State, who reported findings to the White House on all international organizations the US belongs to or funds, as well as treaties and agreements signed by the country. This assessment aimed to identify organizations deemed not in the country's national interest. President Trump has directed all executive departments and agencies to take immediate steps for withdrawal from the listed organizations.

Key Organizations and Their Missions

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) drives the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including solar, wind energy, bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, and ocean energy.

International Solar Alliance (ISA), led by India, was conceptualized during COP21 in Paris in 2015. The alliance boasts over 100 signatory countries, with 90+ nations having ratified to become full members. Its mission focuses on unlocking $1.00 trillion in solar investments by 2030 while reducing technology and financing costs.

International Response

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary at UNFCCC, strongly criticized the decision, stating that "The United States was instrumental in creating the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, because they are both entirely in its national interests." He characterized the withdrawal as a "colossal own goal," arguing that while all other nations are stepping forward together, this step back from global leadership, climate cooperation and science can only harm the US economy.

Domestic Policy Context

This international withdrawal aligns with the administration's domestic renewable energy policy changes implemented throughout 2025:

In July, Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of the Treasury to terminate the clean electricity production and investment tax credits for wind and solar facilities and to implement enhanced foreign entity-of-concern restrictions. In March, the administration announced that solar photovoltaics would no longer qualify under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act.

Weeks after assuming office, Trump issued multiple executive orders aimed at reversing climate and energy policies. One order directed federal agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds through the Inflation Reduction Act, which proposed spending millions of dollars to promote clean energy.

Source: https://www.mercomindia.com/trump-withdraws-us-from-global-climate-pacts-solar-alliance-and-irena

President Donald Trump will host a high-profile meeting with nearly 20 oil company executives at the White House on Friday to discuss the potential revival of Venezuela's devastated petroleum sector. The administration is pressing these industry leaders to consider rebuilding the country's oil infrastructure, which has suffered from years of disrepair and declining investment.

Major Oil Companies to Participate

The meeting will bring together a notable lineup of American oil industry leaders and international energy companies. Key participants will include:

Notably, seasoned wildcatter Harold Hamm will be among the executives attending the discussions. The meeting represents a "Who's Who" of American oil titans responding to Trump's call to explore opportunities in Venezuela's energy sector.

Venezuela's Infrastructure Challenges

Venezuela faces significant obstacles despite possessing the world's largest oil reserves. The country's petroleum infrastructure has deteriorated severely due to multiple factors:

• Years of neglect and insufficient maintenance
• Declining foreign investment
• Exodus of international oil companies
• Widespread damage to pipelines and production facilities

The extent of the infrastructure damage is so severe that much of Venezuela's pipeline network and other critical facilities will likely require complete replacement rather than repair.

Investment Scope and Timeline

The scale of rebuilding Venezuela's oil sector presents substantial financial and logistical challenges. According to analyst estimates, the reconstruction project could require up to $100 billion in investment over the next ten years. This massive financial commitment extends well beyond Trump's current presidential term, contributing to companies' cautious approach to the White House's rebuilding appeal.

The meeting reflects the administration's efforts to engage private sector expertise and capital in addressing Venezuela's energy challenges, though the substantial investment requirements and extended timeline present significant considerations for participating companies.