The Trump administration is pulling the United States out of a treaty underpinning international cooperation on climate change, a move South Florida researchers warn could have serious consequences for the state’s most vulnerable regions.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCC, treaty was ratified by the U.S. Senate in 1992. It provides a framework for global climate research and long-term planning.
Dr. Todd Crowl, director of the Institute of Environment for Florida International University, warned, “They’ve got issues with coastal flooding. They got issues with salt, water intrusion, and it’s costing more and more to produce that kind of energy [in Florida].”
Administration officials say the move is intended to protect U.S. sovereignty and limit participation in international organizations that don’t serve American interests.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision, calling the agreement and other global institutions wasteful and misaligned with U.S. priorities.
Critics warn the withdrawal could reduce U.S. influence in global climate discussions and complicate coordination on climate science affecting vulnerable regions such as coastal Florida.
