US Withdraws from Climate Fund, Complicating Efforts for Developing Nations
The United States has withdrawn from a global agreement aimed at compensating developing nations for climate change impacts. This decision has prompted disappointment from the African Group of Negotiators, who stress that it undermines support for vulnerable countries. The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage is slated to operationalize in 2025, amid calls for accountability from the US as a major historical emitter of greenhouse gases.
On March 7, 2023, the United States announced its withdrawal from a global agreement designed to compensate developing nations affected by climate change. This decision pertains specifically to the Board for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, a crucial initiative gleaned from a multilateral commitment made at a UN climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022.
The African Group of Negotiators (AGN), which represents a coalition of African nations, expressed profound disappointment over this development. AGN Chair Ali Mohamed commented on the withdrawal, emphasizing that it jeopardizes essential support for vulnerable countries facing irreversible climate challenges.
The official communication regarding the withdrawal was made by Rebecca Lawlor, Deputy Director at the US Office of Climate and Environment, who informed the Developed Country Co-Chair of the fund that the US will not replace its representatives on the Board for Responding to Loss and Damage.
Advocates for climate justice, including activist Harjeet Singh, criticized this decision as a continuation of the US government’s obstructive tendencies concerning climate financing. Singh highlighted that the US, as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, ought to be held accountable for supporting nations suffering from climate adversities through reparations.
The establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage was a significant outcome of prolonged advocacy, and its operational implementation is slated for January 1, 2025, as discussed at the COP29 meeting in Baku in 2024. Stakeholders urged for accountability from developed nations, especially the United States, to address the consequences of climate change on vulnerable populations globally.
In conclusion, the United States’ exit from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage represents a setback for global climate justice efforts. The withdrawal has drawn significant criticism from affected nations and climate advocates, underscoring the necessity for historical emitters like the US to fulfill their obligations toward developing countries. The upcoming operationalization of the fund in 2025 will be crucial for addressing the pressing issues faced by vulnerable populations due to climate change.
Original Source: www.theweek.in
