On Friday, the U.S. Department of State dismissed nearly ten employees from the Office of Global Change, effectively ending the work of the last team engaged in international climate policy and United Nations negotiations, reports the Baltimore Chronicle with reference to The Washington Post.
According to sources cited by the outlet, most staff had already left their positions after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement in January. The departure of the remaining personnel has now led to the complete closure of the office.
The dismantling of the Office of Global Change is part of a broader restructuring effort within the State Department, which plans to lay off around 3,000 employees in total. In a statement, the department noted that these changes are designed to align its operations with the foreign policy priorities of the Trump administration, particularly the “America First” agenda.
Experts have raised concerns that, without this office, the United States is losing its central hub for coordinating climate diplomacy. This may signal a deliberate withdrawal from participating in international climate negotiations.
Dan Reifsnyder, the former director of the Office of Global Change, warned that the loss of U.S. leadership in climate matters would deal a significant blow globally. He emphasized that the country is not only one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters but also a vital source of technology, innovation, and solutions for addressing environmental challenges. Reifsnyder urged Americans to prepare for the return of climate policy following Trump’s term.
In response to an inquiry, the State Department confirmed that nearly 3,000 staff will be dismissed but declined to comment on the closure of the Office of Global Change.
The department’s statement described the restructuring as a “significant and historic reorganization” aimed at better aligning personnel and programs with the “America First” foreign policy. It also noted that many eliminated offices had become outdated, redundant, or strayed from their original missions.
Earlier we wrote that western allies doubt Trump’s pro-ukrainian turn.
