US Withdrawal from Climate Change Compensation Fund Draws Criticism
The United States has withdrawn from a significant global agreement to fund climate change damage in poorer nations, prompting disappointment from the African Group of Negotiators. This decision could threaten vital support for countries facing severe climate impacts, raising concerns about the US’s designated responsibility for environmental issues.
On March 7, 2023, the United States announced its withdrawal from a global pact aimed at compensating developing nations for the impacts of climate change. This decision has drawn significant concern from the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), which represents African countries in UN climate discussions, highlighting the detrimental effects on vulnerable nations that face severe climate repercussions.
The AGN expressed profound disappointment regarding this development, as articulated by Chair Ali Mohamed, who emphasized that the decision from the country with the highest historical responsibility for climate change threatens crucial support for nations confronting irreversible damage.
In a formal communication addressed to Jean Christophe Donnellier, the co-chair responsible for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, Deputy Director Rebecca Lawlor of the US Office of Climate and Environment indicated that the United States is exiting the Board for the Fund effective immediately. The letter also confirmed that both the United States Board Member and Alternate Board Member would be stepping down without replacements.
The establishment of the fund stemmed from years of advocacy by developing and least-developed nations affected by climate change, with agreement reached at the UN climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022. Countries have decided to implement the fund starting January 1, 2025, during COP29 in Baku, 2024.
Climate activist Harjeet Singh criticized the withdrawal as representative of a continuous pattern of resistance by the US government regarding essential financial support for climate impacts. Singh asserted that the United States, being the largest historical emitter, carries considerable responsibility for the adverse climate effects experienced by vulnerable populations and must be held accountable for its contributions towards climate reparations.
The United States’ withdrawal from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage signifies a major setback in climate finance efforts aimed at assisting vulnerable countries. This decision has been met with widespread disappointment among global negotiators, who fear it undermines crucial support needed to combat climate impacts. As discussions around climate justice continue, there is an urgent call for accountability from the United States regarding its historical role in climate change.
Original Source: www.newsdrum.in
