Report on Global Climate Leadership Dynamics Following U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

This report analyzes the international response to the second withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement in 2025. It assesses the impact on global climate governance and highlights the emergence of new leadership dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Impact of U.S. Withdrawal on Global Climate Efforts

The 2025 decision by the United States to exit the Paris Agreement and roll back domestic climate policies has created a significant leadership vacuum in global environmental governance. This action directly challenges the principles of **SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)** and jeopardizes the collective momentum required to meet the targets of **SDG 13 (Climate Action)**.

Resilience of the Paris Agreement Framework

Despite the U.S. withdrawal, the Paris Agreement has demonstrated structural resilience. Its design, which relies on voluntary, nationally determined contributions, prevents the withdrawal of a single party from causing the collapse of the entire accord. The international community’s response indicates a continued commitment to the agreement’s objectives.

• Following the first U.S. withdrawal in 2017, global partners including Italy, Germany, and France affirmed the agreement was non-negotiable.
• In 2025, China and the European Union issued a joint statement vowing to strengthen their climate targets, reinforcing their partnership under **SDG 17**.
• Sub-national and corporate entities within the U.S. have also maintained their commitments, contributing to **SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)** and **SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)**.

Emerging Leadership and Commitment to Sustainable Development

In the absence of U.S. federal leadership, other nations and blocs have intensified their efforts, aligning their climate strategies with broader sustainable development objectives.

China’s Strategic Advancement of Climate and Development Goals

China has strategically positioned itself to fill the leadership void, integrating its climate policy with economic and geopolitical goals. Its actions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to the SDGs.

1. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): China has become the world’s largest investor in renewable energy, installing approximately half of the world’s new renewable capacity in 2024. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, it exports this technology, funding solar projects in Egypt and wind farms in Ethiopia.
2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The nation is building sustainable infrastructure at home and abroad and recently expanded its national carbon market to include the cement, steel, and aluminum industries, fostering innovation in emissions reduction.
3. SDG 13 (Climate Action): China has maintained its goal of peaking emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
4. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): China has increased its climate finance pledges to other developing nations, surpassing previous U.S. commitments and strengthening South-South cooperation.

The United Kingdom’s Enhanced Commitments

The British government has reinforced its climate leadership role with more ambitious and transparent targets, aiming to become a “clean energy superpower.”

• The UK pledged to cut emissions by 77% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, a significant step towards **SDG 13**.
• It has provided detailed sectoral plans for decarbonization, enhancing accountability.
• Renewed commitments to provide climate finance to developing countries support **SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)** and **SDG 17**.

The Role of Developing Nations and Corporate Actors

A notable shift in climate negotiations is the rising influence of coalitions representing developing countries and the persistent action of the private sector.

• The Like-Minded Group of Developing Countries, including China, India, and Bolivia, is increasingly vocal in demanding that developed nations meet their historical responsibilities for emissions cuts and financial aid, advocating for equity as a core component of **SDG 10** and **SDG 13**.
• Despite a challenging domestic political climate, major U.S. corporations continue to pursue green initiatives. The “America’s Climate Leader List” grew from 400 companies in 2023 to 500 in 2025, indicating a sustained private sector commitment to **SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)**.

Outlook Towards COP30

The global climate action framework remains operational, with leadership becoming more distributed among a diverse set of state and non-state actors. The upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil will be a critical forum to evaluate the effectiveness of this new, multi-polar leadership model and to measure collective progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The article is centered on global efforts to combat climate change, specifically through the Paris Agreement. It discusses national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the political dynamics of international climate negotiations, and the importance of global cooperation to slow climate change. For example, it mentions the U.S. commitment to “reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025” and the UK’s pledge to “cut emissions 77% by 2035.”

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The transition to renewable energy is a key theme. The article highlights actions taken by countries and corporations to embrace clean energy sources. It explicitly mentions China’s aggressive investments in “solar, wind and electrification,” noting that in 2024, “about half the renewable energy capacity built worldwide was in China.” It also refers to corporate actions, such as Amazon partnering to build solar farms.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article underscores the importance of global and multi-stakeholder partnerships. It details the Paris Agreement as a global accord, the joint statement by China and the European Union to strengthen climate targets, and financial commitments from developed to developing nations. It also highlights sub-national and private sector partnerships, such as the “United States Climate Alliance” formed by a coalition of U.S. cities and states, and pledges by companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article touches on the need for sustainable industrial processes and infrastructure. It mentions China’s expansion of its carbon market to include the “cement, steel and aluminum sectors” to encourage emissions cuts. Furthermore, it discusses large-scale investments in renewable energy infrastructure, such as China’s investments in “solar power in Egypt and wind energy development in Ethiopia” through its Belt and Road Initiative.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article addresses the perceived conflict between climate action and economic concerns. It notes that the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was justified by “concerns that jobs would be lost, that meeting the goals would be an economic burden.” It also highlights how developing countries, such as those in the Like-Minded Group, are driven by “economic development concerns” while pressuring the developed world to meet its climate commitments.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The role of sub-national governments is highlighted as crucial for climate action. The article points out that in response to the U.S. withdrawal, “Hawaii passed legislation to become the first state to align with the agreement” and a “coalition of U.S. cities and states banded together to form the United States Climate Alliance.”

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

• The article is replete with examples of this target. It details the U.S. initial pledge under the Paris Agreement, the UK’s more ambitious pledge to “cut emissions 77% by 2035,” and China’s goal “of peaking its emissions before 2030 and then dropping to net-zero emissions by 2060.” The actions of countries to set and pursue these national climate goals are a direct implementation of this target.

Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties… to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually… to address the needs of developing countries.

• The article explicitly discusses climate finance. It mentions the U.S. pledge of “financial support to help developing countries adapt to climate risks” and China’s pledge to “contribute more in climate finance to other developing countries than the U.S. had committed to – US$3.1 billion compared with $3 billion.” This directly relates to the mobilization of financial resources for developing countries.

Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

• The article provides concrete examples of efforts to increase the share of renewables. It states that China has “aggressively pursued investments in renewable energy at home” and that in 2024, “about half the renewable energy capacity built worldwide was in China.” This demonstrates a substantial increase in the renewable energy share, driven by a major economy.

Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative is presented as an example of this target in action. The article notes that through this initiative, China has “scaled up renewable energy exports and development in other countries,” citing investments in “solar power in Egypt and wind energy development in Ethiopia.”

Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

• The entire context of the Paris Agreement represents this global partnership. The article also points to specific multi-stakeholder actions, such as businesses like “Apple, Google, Microsoft and Tesla” making their own pledges and the formation of the “United States Climate Alliance” by cities and states, which complements national and international efforts.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

National Emission Reduction Targets and Progress

• U.S. Target: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025.
• U.S. Progress: “cut emissions by 17.2% below 2005 levels.”
• UK Target: “cut emissions 77% by 2035 compared with 1990 levels.”
• China Target: Peak emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

Financial Contributions to Climate Finance

• U.S. Pledge: $3 billion.
• China Pledge: $3.1 billion.

Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity

• Global Share: “In 2024, about half the renewable energy capacity built worldwide was in China.” This serves as an indicator of the increasing share of renewables in the energy mix.

Corporate Climate Performance

• Carbon Intensity Reduction: The “America’s Climate Leader List” identifies companies that “have reduced their carbon intensity – carbon emissions divided by revenue – by 3% from the previous year.” The growth of this list from 400 to 500 companies is an implied indicator of corporate progress.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com