Where the US Once Stood With the World
It didn’t start this way. For years, the United States played an active role in global energy cooperation :-
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The US joined the International Solar Alliance as its 101st member country in November 2021, when Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry signed the framework at COP26 in Glasgow. The step was celebrated as a major boost to global solar cooperation — particularly for regions with abundant sunshine but limited resources.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
The United States became a member of IRENA in June 2009 under the Obama administration. This move signalled America’s commitment to collaborate internationally on expanding renewable energy and clean technologies.
24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact
Under the UN-led 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, countries and organisations pledged to work toward a future where every hour of electricity use is met with carbon-free sources. The US government formally joined this initiative at COP28, reinforcing its commitment to cleaner grids and net-zero pathways.
International Energy Forum (IEF)
The International Energy Forum — established in 1991 to foster cooperation among energy producers and consumers — included the United States as a key member for decades, helping shape global energy dialogue and stability.
These were more than memberships; they were symbols of hope — for climate action, for global unity, and for cooperation that transcended borders.
Why the Withdrawal Matters
On the surface, a government withdrawing from international organisations may sound like policy wonk language. But the real stakes are human and planetary.
For years, the US was a bedrock of global climate diplomacy. Its absence leaves a leadership vacuum in forums where nations discuss renewable energy, emissions reduction and sustainable transitions.
Climate change doesn’t obey borders. Whether it’s a coastal community facing rising seas or a farmer battling drought, climate impacts are already here. The US exiting these bodies sends a disheartening message to vulnerable countries counting on collaborative solutions.
Shift in Global Influence
With America stepping back, other countries — including India, the EU, and China — may now lead these organisations, shaping rules, funding and priorities in ways that could redefine the future of global energy and climate policy.
Even as the US withdraws, the missions of these organisations remain critical :-
- IRENA continues to support countries in expanding renewable energy access for all.
- ISA keeps pushing solar power across the Global South.
- The 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact grows as more governments, companies and cities commit to full decarbonisation.
For many of us who love this planet, this decision feels like a heartbreak — one that asks us to reflect on why we fight for renewable energy, climate justice, and sustainability.
But while one government may step back, civil society, youth movements, and global partnerships continue to rise. Climate action isn’t only in negotiation rooms — it lives in every solar panel installed, every policy that protects forests, and every community that demands a cleaner future.
The US withdrawal from IRENA, ISA, the 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, and the International Energy Forum is not just policy — it’s a turning point in our global climate story.
It’s a call to action for the rest of the world — and a reminder that collective effort matters now more than ever.
“In comparison, India’s role in the International Solar Alliance has expanded through aggressive solar capacity build-out.”
