Donald Trump’s UN speech attacked climate action, dismissed renewables as a “scam,” and promoted fossil fuels, signaling a U.S. retreat from global cooperation. Yet many nations are pressing ahead with clean energy, with China poised to lead emerging markets. At the same time, Washington is cutting UN funding, leaving agencies under pressure and risking its influence. As COP30 approaches, the world faces a pivotal moment: to sustain climate momentum and adapt multilateral institutions to a more multipolar era without U.S. leadership.