In a concerning trend, United Nations humanitarian and development organisations have begun to recalibrate their discourse surrounding climate change, a move that coincides with Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Internal strategy documents reveal a noticeable decline in references to climate-related issues among key UN agencies, even as the planet faces increasingly severe climate impacts. This shift raises questions about the influence of political ideologies on global efforts to address one of the most pressing crises of our time.
The Shift in Dialogue
The World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are among the agencies that have significantly reduced their emphasis on climate change in strategic documents. This is striking given the escalating evidence of climate-related disasters—record heatwaves, intense droughts, and devastating floods—affecting millions worldwide.
Catherine Pettengell, Executive Director of the Climate Action Network UK, highlights the ramifications of the current U.S. administration’s decision to withdraw from numerous international organisations. “This retreat from global cooperation undermines the collective safety and health of people everywhere,” she asserts. “The UN must stand firm on this crucial issue, regardless of political pressures.”
A Clear Pattern of Reduction
The findings suggest that this trend isn’t an isolated incident but rather a systematic alteration in how these organisations communicate about climate challenges. For instance, Rwanda, Iraq, and Guatemala—countries particularly vulnerable to climate impacts—previously mentioned “climate” 31, 23, and 41 times in their strategic country plans during Trump’s first term. However, their recent documents, published after his re-election, saw these numbers plummet to just two, one, and none, respectively.
Research from the Overseas Development Institute indicates that the U.S. has traditionally been the largest supporter of the WFP, a reality that may influence the agency’s current strategic direction. Mauricio Vazquez from ODI Global explains, “This shift from agencies is happening to ensure their survival within the framework of reduced U.S. funding.” Despite the apparent reticence to highlight climate issues, the WFP continues to seek climate funding to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
The Broader Implications
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also scaled back its climate discourse. Its strategic plan for 2026–2029 features 15 mentions of “climate,” down from 25 in its previous plan. The new document, while still addressing important issues, prioritises broader challenges to global resilience rather than framing climate change as a central crisis.
This adjustment can dilute the urgency of climate action and misrepresent the human-driven causes of extreme weather events. The International Organisation for Migration shows a similar trend, with “climate change” appearing only twice in its 2026 appeal to donors, a stark contrast to its 41 mentions in the 2024 report.
The UNHCR’s regional response plans reflect this pattern, with references to climate change decreasing across various appeals. Such reductions in dialogue are concerning, as they may influence resource allocation and prioritisation within these agencies.
The Impact of Funding Cuts
A significant factor contributing to this recalibration is the sharp reduction in U.S. funding for UN agencies. The WFP’s funding dropped from $4.5 billion (£3.4 billion) to $2.1 billion, while the UNHCR saw its support diminish from $2.1 billion to $800 million. As a result, agencies may feel compelled to alter their messaging to align with the current political climate and retain essential financial support.
However, not all UN agencies are experiencing this shift. UNICEF, for instance, has reported an increase in climate references in its country strategies, suggesting that its funding dynamics differ from those of agencies heavily reliant on U.S. contributions.
Why it Matters
The implications of these changes are profound. As global climate impacts intensify, the need for robust and clear dialogue about climate change is more critical than ever. The tendency of UN agencies to downplay this issue due to political pressures could undermine international efforts to address climate-related challenges. A failure to confront the climate crisis head-on not only jeopardises vulnerable populations but also threatens global stability and security. It is imperative that the UN maintains its commitment to climate action, irrespective of shifting political landscapes, ensuring that climate change remains at the forefront of humanitarian and developmental agendas.
