Office of the Spokesperson
The 25th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP25) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Madrid, Spain, December 2-13. Ambassador Marcia Bernicat, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), will serve as the U.S. head of delegation. The delegation will also include other officials from the Department of State, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
On November 4, 2019, the United States deposited with the United Nations its notification of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Per the terms of the Paris Agreement, the United States will remain party to the Agreement until November 4, 2020. The United States will continue to participate in ongoing climate change negotiations and meetings—such as COP25—to ensure a level playing field that protects U.S. interests.
The United States is a world leader in protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while growing its economy. U.S. net greenhouse gas emissions dropped 13 percent from 2005-2017, even as our economy grew over 19 percent. This success is due largely to the development and deployment of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, shale gas, transformational coal technologies, renewables, battery storage, and enhancing energy efficiency. Further, the United States works with global partners to enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change and prepare for and respond to natural disasters.
The United States will continue to research, innovate, and grow the economy while reducing emissions and extending a helping hand to friends and partners around the globe.
More information on U.S. diplomatic efforts related to oceans, environment, health, space, and science is available online and on OES social media platforms (@SciDiplomacyUSA). For press inquiries on U.S. participation at COP25, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov.