by Santiago Gowland, CEO and the Board of Directors, Rainforest Alliance
On November 11th, 2024, the United Nations will commence the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, a critical moment in the global effort to address climate change. As the world gathers to confront this escalating crisis, the United States stands at a crossroads. 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, and it marks the first time global temperatures have exceeded the limits outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Yet, as we look ahead to 2025, the U.S. is facing the harsh reality of a new administration with a clear agenda to undo climate progress both at home and abroad. This shift poses a significant threat to the international climate framework, further jeopardizing efforts to avert the worst impacts of global warming.
The Trump administration has repeatedly and publicly stated that if re-elected, the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The Rainforest Alliance strongly believes this would be catastrophic, as it would undermine global efforts to combat climate change, delay necessary actions, and reduce the political and economic momentum needed to limit warming. A U.S. withdrawal would not only jeopardize domestic environmental protections but also weaken international cooperation, potentially leading to slower progress in achieving global climate goals. To date, 195 states plus the European Union have signed the agreement.
As a mission-driven organization, the Rainforest Alliance is committed to the protection of forests and other natural resources, improving the lives of farmers and forest communities around the world, and furthering human rights in global supply chains. The outcome of the U.S. presidential election does not alter our mission or the impactful work we are doing in the 60 countries where we operate. We believe all governments play a pivotal role in implementing policies and actions that protect natural resources on both regional and national levels.
With the climate crisis at a tipping point, the urgency for action is greater than ever. In 2025, we must scale up our collective efforts, turning ambition into tangible action. We call on world leaders to make bold commitments—through policies, investments, and international cooperation—that protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and ensure a sustainable future for people and nature alike.
The Rainforest Alliance is a nonpartisan, global organization and a US-based nonprofit.
Media Contact: Donita Dooley, Corporate Affairs, +1 (212) 977-1900