Nigeria, Jan. 20 -- The 2025 COP30 in Brazil was a milestone moment in the global climate agenda, but for unexpected reasons.

The United States (US) did not participate in the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and this month announced its withdrawal from the convention (and 30 other UN entities).

This removes the country with the highest historical levels of greenhouse gases from the jurisdiction of the UNFCCC, whose members commit to a transition away from fossil fuels. The world's largest economy will also not be a global partner in climate action.

Without US participation, COP30 saw a recalibration of the major power blocs and countries that hold more promise for the dev...