Experts have slammed the decisions by the United States to withdraw finance and membership of over 60 organisations which have been created to fight a range of global threats including the climate crisis.

Having already withdrawn the US from the Paris agreement President Donald Trump announced the move saying the decisions was to walk away from organisations which are not in the interests of the United States.

He said: “I have considered the Secretary of State’s report and, after deliberating with my Cabinet, have determined that it is contrary to the interests of the United States to remain a member of, participate in, or otherwise provide support to the organisations listed in this memorandum.”

The 66 organisations include:

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development;
• International Energy Forum
• International Renewable Energy Agency
• UN International Law Commission

It comes following an earlier executive order which Trump explained had been designed to review the organisations in which the USA would both participate and fund.

“That Executive Order directed the secretary of state, in consultation with the United States Representative to the United Nations, to conduct a review of all international intergovernmental organisations of which the United States is a member and provides any type of funding or other support, and all conventions and treaties to which the United States is a party, to determine which organisations, conventions, and treaties are contrary to the interests of the United States,” he explained. “I hereby direct all executive departments and agencies (agencies) to take immediate steps to effectuate the withdrawal of the United States from the organisations listed in section 2 of this memorandum as soon as possible.

“For United Nations entities, withdrawal means ceasing participation in or funding to those entities to the extent permitted by law.”

Experts have  decried the move adding to will put US businesses on the back foot.

Chair of climate organisation America Gina McCarthy, the first White House national climate advisor said: “This is a shortsighted, embarrassing, and foolish decision. As the only country in the world not a part of the UNFCCC  treaty, the Trump administration is throwing away decades of U.S. climate change leadership and global collaboration. This Administration is forfeiting our country’s ability to influence trillions of dollars in investments, policies, and decisions that would have advanced our economy and protected us from costly disasters wreaking havoc on our country.”

She added: “America Is All In is committed to collaborating with our international partners to lower energy costs, cut pollution, and deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement.  We will expand our efforts to work at the local level to build hope and opportunity, invest in our future, and do what’s right for our kids and grandkids. We will not allow this administration to stop Americans from the huge health, safety, and economic benefits clean energy provides.”

David Widawsky, director, of the World Resources Institute (WRI) US added:  “Pulling out of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change is a strategic blunder that gives away American advantage for nothing in return. The 30-year-old agreement is the foundation of international climate cooperation. Walking away doesn’t just put America on the sidelines — it takes the U.S. out of the arena entirely.

“American communities and businesses will lose economic ground as other countries capture the jobs, wealth, and trade created by the booming clean-energy economy.

“Despite today’s action, global climate diplomacy will not falter. Other nations understand the UNFCCC’s irreplaceable role in driving cooperation and advancing climate solutions the world urgently needs. When countries work together on climate, it saves lives, creates jobs, strengthens economic stability, and builds a more prosperous future.”

Having already withdrawn the US from the Paris agreement President Donald Trump announced the move saying the decisions was to walk away from organisations which are not in the interests of the United States.