Trump Administration Withdraws US from Climate Compensation Fund
The Trump administration has withdrawn the US from a global fund proposed at the Cop28 UN climate summit, aimed at compensating developing nations for climate damages. This withdrawal has been met with criticism from climate advocates, emphasizing its detrimental impact on cooperative global climate initiatives and the urgent need for accountability from the US as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases.
The Trump administration has officially withdrawn the United States from a global fund aimed at compensating poorer countries for the damages caused by global warming. This loss and damage fund was established at the Cop28 UN climate summit in late 2023, representing a significant achievement driven by years of advocacy from developing nations disproportionately affected by climate change despite their minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The fund signifies a pledge from developed nations to assist with the economic and non-economic losses caused by climate-related events like sea-level rise and drought.
Historically, the United States has been slow to act on climate initiatives and had committed only $17.5 million to this fund, which became operative on January 1 of this year. Now, as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, the US has decided to cease its involvement. In a letter from Rebecca Lawlor, deputy director at the US Office of Climate and Environment, it was stated, “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.”
The withdrawal has drawn strong criticism from climate advocates globally. Mohamed Adow, a climate policy analyst, 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 its position for the benefit of the planet and future generations, suggesting that this action compromises international cooperation.
Rachel Rose Jackson, research director at Corporate Accountability, criticized the US stance by stating, “Let’s be clear – the US has never been a climate champion… the Trump administration’s anti-climate action agenda… is a wrecking ball made of dynamite.”
According to Ali Mohamed, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, this decision endangers essential support for countries suffering from severe climate impacts. The Trump administration previously exited the 2015 Paris climate accord but was reinstated under President Joe Biden.
China is presently the leading emitter of greenhouse gases while also taking the lead in renewable energy production. Despite reducing coal usage, the United States has become the largest oil and gas producer globally, contributing further to the climate crisis.
Consequently, devastating events such as wildfires in California and significant flooding in Florida have become more frequent, highlighting the urgent need for global climate action. Several of Trump’s policies have endangered the burgeoning renewable sector in the US, raising concerns among climate advocates.
As of late January, 27 countries had managed to pledge a total of $741 million to the loss and damage fund, contrasting starkly with the substantial losses developing nations face annually due to climate change. Critics assert that the US withdrawal reflects a broader dismissal of global cooperation in combating climate issues. Harjeet Singh, a climate activist, emphasized, “The decision… undermines global efforts to deliver climate justice,” urging accountability for the US as the largest historical emitter.
The decision of the Trump administration to withdraw the United States from the loss and damage fund highlights a significant setback for global climate diplomacy and support for vulnerable countries grappling with climate change impacts. This action has drawn severe backlash from climate advocates who emphasize the moral and ethical responsibilities of developed nations in assisting those most affected. As the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, the US faces increasing pressure to recognize its role in facilitating climate justice and addressing the global climate crisis comprehensively.
Original Source: www.nationalobserver.com
