The past three years have been the hottest on record, marked by deadly and costly wildfires and flooding. Even as scientists warn that the pace of global warming is accelerating, President Donald Trump has escalated his retreat from global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In January, he ordered the withdrawal of the US from 66 multilateral organizations focused on the environment, peace, gender equality and democracy, including the United Nations treaty that underpins international climate talks.
As the US government vacates its seat at the negotiating table, the rest of the world is likely to continue pursuing joint efforts to tackle rising temperatures. But progress could be more difficult without the participation of the largest economy, whose absence may give some nations cover to make less stringent commitments.
