As world leaders gather for the pivotal COP30 climate summit in Brazil, a stark divide has emerged over the United States' decision to withdraw from global efforts for the second time under President Donald Trump.
Appeal from a Former UN Leader
In an exclusive interview with Sky News ahead of the conference's opening, former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon made a heartfelt plea for American leadership. He described the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement as "deeply regrettable," emphasising that the climate crisis is a universal threat.
"The climate crisis does not care where you are living, [whether in] United States or China or European countries," Mr Ban stated. "If we live together, we all live. If we die, we all die together."
He highlighted the unique position of the United States, calling it the "most powerful, most resourceful, and most influential country," and argued that its participation is crucial. "The whole world is now awaiting for the United States to demonstrate their political leadership at this critical time," he added.
The White House's Firm Stance
The appeal, however, appears to have fallen on deaf ears. The Trump administration has mounted a robust defence of its energy policy, directly criticising international climate goals.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Sky News: "The Green New Scam would have killed America if President Trump had not been elected to implement his common sense energy agenda."
She defended the administration's focus on fossil fuels, stating it is aimed at "utilising the liquid gold under our feet to strengthen our grid stability and drive down costs for American families and businesses."
In a definitive rebuke of the global climate initiative, Rogers asserted, "President Trump will not jeopardise our country's economic and national security to pursue vague climate goals that are killing other countries."
A Summit Under Pressure
The COP30 talks, which commenced on Monday 10 November 2025, are already facing significant challenges. The host Brazilian team revealed that only 108 climate plans have been submitted by nations, leaving more than a third missing the deadline.
The Paris Agreement, established at COP21 in 2015, remains the world's most significant legally binding climate treaty. Its core aim is to limit global warming to 1.5C-2C above pre-industrial levels, requiring countries to submit updated climate plans every five years.
Mr Ban, who was instrumental in the original Paris talks, stressed that the responsibility does not lie with America alone. He called on all wealthy Western nations to step up their efforts, declaring that protecting the planet must be the "number one priority."
"This is only one earth we have," he warned. "We don't have any other place to move."
Confirming the US's limited engagement, the White House has stated that no "high-level" officials will be attending COP30, though it remains unclear if other representatives, such as negotiators, will be present.
