The United States has withdrawn from a global fund established to compensate developing countries for climate change impacts. This move has been met with disappointment from African nations and climate advocates, who argue that it compromises vital support for vulnerable nations. The fund was initially agreed upon in 2022 and is set to become operational in 2025.
On March 7, the United States announced its withdrawal from a global fund designed to compensate developing nations for the impacts of climate change. This decision has elicited significant disappointment from the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), which consists of African nations that are actively engaged in United Nations climate discussions.
Ali Mohamed, Chair of the AGN, stated that such a withdrawal by the country historically most responsible for climate change jeopardizes essential support for nations facing irreversible climate consequences.
Rebecca Lawlor, Deputy Director at the U.S. Office of Climate and Environment, communicated this decision in a letter addressed to Jean Christophe Donnellier, Co-Chair of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The letter conveyed that the United States would no longer participate in the Board for this fund as of that date, and that both US Board representatives will resign without replacements.
The initiative for the fund arose from years of persistence by developing countries impacted by climate change. It was established during the UN climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022, with plans to operationalize it starting January 1, 2025, following deliberations at COP29 in Baku in 2024.
Climate activist Harjeet Singh criticized the decision, highlighting a continued obstruction by the U.S. government in facilitating necessary financial support for mitigating climate impacts. He noted that the U.S., as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, bears considerable responsibility for the climate adversities faced by vulnerable populations globally and must be held accountable for climate reparations.
In summary, the United States’ recent withdrawal from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage has drawn criticism for undermining global climate justice efforts. The AGN has expressed significant concern over the implications for vulnerable nations, and climate activists continue to advocate for accountability from the U.S. as a major contributor to climate change.
Original Source: www.theweek.in
