The global effort to address climate change and protect biodiversity faced a significant setback during the previous administration, as the United States withdrew from numerous international institutions, including key scientific bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This retreat from long-held leadership roles created a void in both funding and expertise, raising concerns about the future of these critical organizations and their ability to deliver vital assessments. Now, scientists, universities, and philanthropic organizations are stepping up to fill the gap, working to ensure continued U.S. Engagement in these crucial international collaborations.
The decision to withdraw from these bodies—a move that affected over 60 international organizations in total—was part of a broader shift in U.S. Foreign policy. The Trump administration signaled a preference for bilateral agreements over multilateral cooperation, questioning the value and effectiveness of international bodies. Still, experts warn that this approach undermines collective efforts to tackle global challenges that require coordinated action. The implications of diminished U.S. Participation extend beyond the immediate loss of financial contributions; they as well include a reduction in scientific input and a weakening of the international consensus needed to drive meaningful change. Understanding the role of science policy in global crises is more important than ever.
The Impact on IPCC and IPBES
The IPCC, established in 1988 by the United Nations, is the leading international body for assessing climate change. It provides policymakers with comprehensive scientific assessments of climate change, its impacts, and potential response options. Similarly, IPBES, created in 2012, focuses on biodiversity and ecosystem services, offering similar assessments to inform policy decisions. Both organizations rely on the contributions of scientists from around the world, including significant participation from the United States.
Historically, U.S. Scientists have played a leading role in both the IPCC and IPBES, contributing to report writing, data analysis, and the overall direction of research. The withdrawal of federal support not only limited the number of U.S. Experts directly involved but also created uncertainty about future funding for U.S.-based research that supports these assessments. This disruption threatened to slow down the pace of scientific progress and potentially skew the findings towards perspectives from other nations. According to a 2020 report by the American Geophysical Union, the withdrawal risked “undermining the credibility and effectiveness” of these vital scientific assessments. AGU Report
Filling the Void: A Collaborative Response
In response to the federal pullback, a diverse coalition of stakeholders began working to mitigate the damage. Universities, philanthropic organizations, and individual scientists stepped forward to provide financial support, logistical assistance, and continued scientific expertise. Several universities established dedicated programs to support U.S. Participation in the IPCC and IPBES, while foundations increased their funding for related research and capacity-building initiatives.
One notable example is the establishment of the U.S. National Committee for the IPCC (USNC-IPCC), which serves as a focal point for coordinating U.S. Contributions to the IPCC assessments. The USNC-IPCC, supported by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, works to mobilize U.S. Scientists, facilitate communication with policymakers, and ensure that U.S. Perspectives are represented in the IPCC reports. Similarly, efforts are underway to strengthen U.S. Engagement with IPBES through similar coordinating mechanisms. This collaborative approach demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Scientific community to maintaining its role in addressing global environmental challenges, even in the face of political headwinds.
The Biden Administration and Renewed Engagement
With a change in administration in 2021, the United States rejoined both the IPCC and IPBES, signaling a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and science-based policymaking. The Biden administration has pledged to restore U.S. Leadership in these organizations and to work with international partners to accelerate efforts to address climate change and protect biodiversity. However, the damage caused by the previous administration’s withdrawal will take time to fully repair. Rebuilding trust and restoring the flow of funding and expertise are ongoing processes.
The current administration has also emphasized the importance of incorporating scientific evidence into all aspects of policymaking. This commitment is reflected in the administration’s climate action plan, which includes ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in clean energy technologies. The plan relies heavily on the scientific assessments provided by the IPCC and other international bodies. The administration’s focus on environmental justice also underscores the importance of addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on vulnerable communities.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining U.S. Involvement
While the U.S. Has officially rejoined the IPCC and IPBES, sustaining long-term engagement will require continued effort and investment. It’s crucial to ensure that funding for related research and capacity-building initiatives remains stable and that U.S. Scientists continue to play a leading role in these organizations. The collaborative model that emerged during the period of federal withdrawal—with universities, philanthropies, and individual scientists stepping up to fill the gap—should be maintained as a valuable complement to government support.
The next major checkpoint for the IPCC is the release of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) Synthesis Report in March 2023, which will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of climate change science. IPCC Sixth Assessment Report This report will be a critical input for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, where world leaders will gather to discuss progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Continued U.S. Engagement in the IPCC and IPBES will be essential for ensuring that these international negotiations are informed by the best available science.
The challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss are complex and require global cooperation. The recent experience underscores the importance of sustained U.S. Involvement in international science-policy bodies and the critical role that scientists, universities, and philanthropic organizations play in ensuring that U.S. Voices are heard on the world stage. Share your thoughts on the future of U.S. Science policy in the comments below.
