US Exit From UN Climate Treaty a ‘Colossal Own Goal’, Says UN Climate Chief

Last Updated:January 08, 2026, 19:51 IST

Simon Stiell criticizes the United States for withdrawing from the UN climate treaty, warning it will harm the US economy, jobs, and security amid worsening climate disasters.

US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)

The United Nations climate chief on Thursday sharply criticised the United States’ decision to withdraw from the UN’s key climate treaty, warning that the move would damage the American economy, jobs and living standards.

Simon Stiell, the UN’s top climate official, described the decision as a “colossal own goal," saying it marked a retreat from global leadership, climate cooperation and science at a time when climate impacts are intensifying worldwide.

“While all other nations are stepping forward together, this latest step back can only harm the US economy, jobs and living standards," Stiell said in a statement, citing the growing threat of wildfires, floods, mega-storms and droughts.

He added that the decision would leave the United States “less secure and less prosperous," as climate-related disasters continue to worsen and global cooperation becomes increasingly critical to managing their impact.

News world US Exit From UN Climate Treaty a ‘Colossal Own Goal’, Says UN Climate Chief

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