The Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from the loss and damage fund established to aid developing nations affected by climate change. This decision has incited criticism from global climate advocates, who stress the importance of international support. The withdrawal disrupts ongoing efforts to address pressing climate impacts, while the US has historically delayed meaningful contributions to global climate initiatives.
The Trump administration has officially withdrawn the United States from a global agreement designed to compensate developing nations suffering from the detrimental effects of climate change. This loss and damage fund was established at the Cop28 UN climate summit in late 2023, marking a pivotal achievement for developing countries that disproportionately bear the consequences of climate change despite contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions. The fund aims to provide financial support for irreversible economic and non-economic losses resulting from phenomena such as sea level rise and natural disasters.
Historically, the US has engaged in delaying tactics and obstruction related to climate initiatives, previously committing only $17.5 million to the fund, which became operational on January 1 of this year. Following this withdrawal, the US, recognized as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, will no longer partake in the initiative. “On behalf of the United States Department of the Treasury, I write to inform you that the United States is withdrawing from the board for the fund for responding to loss and damage, effective immediately,” stated Rebecca Lawlor, Deputy Director at the US Office of Climate and Environment.
The decision to withdraw from the loss and damage fund has drawn severe criticism from climate advocates globally. Mohamed Adow, Director of the think tank Power Shift Africa, remarked, “The US decision to step away from this commitment at such a crucial moment sends the wrong message to the global community and to those in dire need of assistance.” He urged the United States to reconsider, cautioning that the decision undermines collective progress and erodes trust in international cooperation.
Rachel Rose Jackson, Research Director at Corporate Accountability, denounced the withdrawal, stating: “Let’s be clear – the US has never been a climate champion … it’s a wrecking ball made of dynamite.” She emphasized that the US must fulfill its climate obligations and contribute meaningfully to international climate action.
Ali Mohamed, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators, expressed concern that the decision jeopardizes support for vulnerable nations facing significant climate impacts, pointing out the substantial historical responsibility attributed to the US. Furthermore, in a consistent pattern of disengagement, the Trump administration previously exited the 2015 Paris climate accords, which had aimed to combat greenhouse gas emissions; a move he characterized as unfair to US interests.
While China currently leads in emissions, it is also a major force in renewable energy production. The US has become the largest producer of oil and gas. Recently observed record-high ocean and atmospheric temperatures have contributed to catastrophic environmental events in the US, including severe wildfires and flooding, amidst potential adverse implications for the US renewables sector due to certain administration policies.
As of late January, the loss and damage fund had garnered pledges totaling $741 million from 27 countries, a mere fraction of the estimated costs that developing nations confront annually due to climate change. This US withdrawal marks another dismissal of global diplomatic efforts to confront the climate crisis. Harjeet Singh, a founding director at the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, noted, “The decision by the Trump administration exemplifies a longstanding pattern of obstruction by the US government in securing necessary finance for addressing climate impacts.” He underscored the need for accountability and equitable contributions towards global climate reparations.
The withdrawal of the United States from the loss and damage fund signifies a significant setback for global climate initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change. This action has drawn widespread condemnation from climate advocates who emphasize the critical need for international cooperation and commitment. With the US holding a prominent position as a historical emitter, there is a heightened call for accountability and meaningful contributions toward climate action and reparations.
Original Source: www.nationalobserver.com
