Global biodiversity body IPBES concerned over US withdrawal

Chair warns science remains unchanged

An inter-governmental science organisation IPBES has expressed concern over the potential withdrawal by the United States, stressing that political exits do not alter biodiversity facts or their global consequences.

The announcement by United States President Donald Trump that the US would withdraw from 66 international organisations, including the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a UN-backed body that assesses the state of global biodiversity and ecosystems, has sparked sharp responses around the world.

In a press statement, IPBES says that though it has not yet received formal notification from the US government, but expects that the stated intention will lead to the country ceasing its membership.

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It says that US has been a founding member of IPBES since its establishment in 2012 and that US scientists, policymakers, indigenous representatives and other stakeholders have played a central role in its work. Their involvement has included leading assessment reports, chairing negotiations, serving as authors and reviewers and contributing to the scientific and administrative direction of the platform, it adds.

According to the statement, Dr David Obura, Chair of the IPBES, noted that decision-makers in the United States have also been among the most frequent users of IPBES findings, applying them to inform policies, regulations, investments and research agendas at federal, state and local levels.

Obura said that the platform would continue to explore possibilities for future engagement with the United States. While acknowledging that governments have the right to withdraw from international processes, IPBES stresses that such decisions do not alter scientific evidence or its relevance.

Obura underlined that biodiversity loss and environmental degradation remain ongoing realities regardless of political participation.

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IPBES assessments estimate that more than one million plant and animal species are currently at risk of extinction, based on its 2019 Global Assessment. Its 2024 Nexus Assessment estimates global economic losses of up to USD 25 trillion annually due to environmental impacts.

The statement adds that according to a report on transformative change, timely action could generate more than USD 10 trillion in business opportunities and up to 395 million jobs by 2030.

IPBES reiterates that its mandate is to provide objective, non-prescriptive scientific evidence on biodiversity to decision-makers worldwide and that its work would continue with the same focus, informing policy and action for people and nature through science.