Michael Gerrard

Rule Changes

Questioning legality of unilateral treaty withdrawal

President Trump signed a memorandum on January 7, 2026, directing withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change—the 1992 treaty that George H.W. Bush signed and the Senate unanimously ratified. The US becomes the first of 198 parties ever to leave the foundational climate treaty. Unlike the Paris Agreement, which Trump also exited, the UNFCCC is the parent treaty underpinning all international climate negotiations. Withdrawal takes effect one year from notification.

Updated Jan 8