(Beyond Pesticides, February 2 2025) As the Trump administration takes steps to withdraw the U.S. from several international organizations vital to global health and environmental sustainability, advocacy groups are urging Congress and state leaders to fill the resulting void. Beyond Pesticides is spearheading efforts to prompt legislative and state action to counteract the federal government’s retreat from these critical global commitments.
The decision impacts 66 organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Critics argue that this move is “contrary to the interests of the United States,” especially amidst ongoing dismantling of U.S. environmental and health protections.
A recent memorandum, “Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States,” was issued on January 7, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserting that these institutions are redundant, poorly run, or misaligned with U.S. interests. This aligns with a previous Executive Order 14199 from February 2025.
In response, 14 U.S. states and Guam have formed the Governors Public Health Alliance, aiming to safeguard public health across the U.S. Beyond Pesticides advocates for expanding the alliance’s focus to include biodiversity and climate protection, crucial components in maintaining public health standards.
Key Organizations Affected
- WHO: Founded in 1948, this United Nations agency coordinates global health responses to emergencies like pandemics and natural disasters. It also works on vaccine and health service distribution.
- IUCN: Since 1948, it has been a pivotal player in global conservation efforts, advising on nature issues under the World Heritage Convention and maintaining the IUCN Red List, a comprehensive source on species extinction risk.
- IPBES: Established in 2012, this body bridges the gap between science and policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services, offering assessments that aid sustainable development.
- IPCC: Created in 1988, the IPCC provides scientific assessments on climate change, aiding governments worldwide in developing climate policies.
The interconnected nature of global health, biodiversity, and climate change underscores the importance of international cooperation. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that health threats know no borders, and environmental challenges such as climate change and species extinction require collective international action.
Beyond Pesticides emphasizes that “International cooperation is crucial to assessing, preventing, and mitigating global crises. The U.S., which has historically supported these efforts, must not withdraw support now.”
Call to Action
Efforts are underway to persuade Congress and state governors to support these vital international organizations. The action includes urging lawmakers to ensure continued U.S. engagement in global health and environmental programs, and encouraging governors to join or expand their commitment to the Governors Public Health Alliance.
The move to disengage from global organizations poses potential risks to health and environmental stability, making state-level action more crucial than ever. The hope is that these efforts will sustain momentum in tackling global challenges despite federal withdrawal.
Original Story at beyondpesticides.org