4 August 2017: The US submitted a formal communication to the UN, in its capacity as Depositary for the Paris Agreement on climate change, regarding its intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement “as soon as it is eligible to do so” under the terms of the treaty. This comes two months after President Trump’s announcement of the US’ intended withdrawal from the Agreement.

According to the media note issued by the US Department of State, President Trump is open to “re-engaging in the Paris Agreement” if the US can “identify terms that are more favorable to it.” In the meantime, the US will continue to participate in international climate change negotiations, including the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UNFCCC, and to engage in ongoing negotiations related to guidance for Paris Agreement implementation.

A Party may withdraw from the Paris Agreement at any time after three years from the date on which the Agreement has entered into force for that Party.

In a statement of 1 June 2017, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the US’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement as “a major disappointment for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote global security,” reiterating this in a statement of 4 August 2017.

Under Article 28 of the Paris Agreement, a Party may withdraw at any time after three years from the date on which the Agreement has entered into force for that Party. Such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the date of receipt by the Depositary of the notification of withdrawal. The US accepted the Paris Agreement on 3 September 2016, and the Agreement entered into force for the US on 4 November 2016. Thus, the US must remain Party to the Agreement at least until late 2019. [US Department of State Media Note on Communication Regarding Intent to Withdraw from Paris Agreement] [UN Secretary-General’s Note to Correspondents on Paris Climate Agreement, 4 August 2017] [Statement Attributable to Spokesman for Secretary-General on US Decision to Withdraw from Paris Agreement, 1 June 2017 ] [UN Press Release] [Paris Agreement on Climate Change] [SDG Hub Story on US Withdrawal from Paris Agreement Mobilizing Governments, Stakeholders]