Washington: The United States has announced plans to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the foundational global treaty that supports international climate talks, raising serious legal questions and drawing concern from allies and climate experts.

The decision was announced by the administration of Donald Trump, marking the first time any country has sought to leave the UN climate convention since it came into force more than three decades ago. The treaty, adopted in 1992 and ratified unanimously by the US Senate, forms the basis for global climate negotiations, including the annual climate summits and the Paris Agreement.

Legal experts say the move could face constitutional challenges. Because the treaty was approved by the Senate, some scholars argue that withdrawing from it may also require congressional consent. Others note that the treaty allows countries to exit, but the process is complex and has never been tested by a major power like the United States.

Alongside the climate treaty exit, the White House has also said the US will withdraw from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and dozens of other international organisations. Officials said these bodies no longer align with US national interests, signalling a broader pullback from multilateral cooperation.

Climate analysts warn that leaving the UN climate convention would effectively remove the US from formal climate negotiations, emissions reporting systems and rule making processes that shape global climate action. This could weaken Washington’s influence over future climate policies and scientific standards.

International reaction has been swift. Several governments and environmental groups expressed regret, saying the decision undermines global efforts to tackle climate change at a time of increasing extreme weather and environmental risks. Representatives from small island nations stressed that the treaty remains vital for cooperation on climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

The US previously withdrew from the Paris Agreement during Donald Trump’s first term and later rejoined under a different administration. However, exiting the parent climate treaty itself is seen as unprecedented and potentially harder to reverse.

The United Nations has said it is reviewing the legal implications of the announcement and has not yet received formal notification of withdrawal. Under treaty rules, the exit process would take at least one year after official notice is submitted.

For now, uncertainty remains over whether the withdrawal will proceed as planned and how it could reshape global climate diplomacy in the years ahead.