The United States has withdrawn from a global fund aimed at compensating developing countries for climate change losses. The African Group of Negotiators expressed disappointment, asserting that this decision undermines vital support for vulnerable nations. Established during the 2022 UN climate conference, the fund is slated to become operational in 2025, despite the US exit. Climate activists call for accountability for historical emitters in climate reparations.
The United States has officially exited an international agreement aimed at providing compensation to developing nations for losses and damages caused by climate change. This move has been met with significant disappointment from the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), a coalition representing African nations during UN climate discussions. AGN Chair Ali Mohamed emphasized that this withdrawal threatens essential support for countries grappling with severe and irreversible climate impacts.
In a formal communication addressed to Jean Christophe Donnellier, the Developed Country Co-Chair for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, the Deputy Director of the US Office of Climate and Environment, Rebecca Lawlor, announced this immediate withdrawal. The correspondence stated that the United States would not replace its Board Member and Alternate Board Member, thus effectively distancing itself from the fund’s operations.
The global fund was conceived through years of advocacy from developing and least-developed countries affected by climate change, culminating in an agreement reached during the 2022 UN climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Following decisions made during COP29 in Baku scheduled for 2024, the fund is set to become operational by January 1, 2025.
Climate activist Harjeet Singh criticized this withdrawal, linking it to a broader trend of obstruction by the US government regarding climate financing. He articulated that the United States, being the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, holds a considerable degree of responsibility for the climate challenges faced by vulnerable populations worldwide. Singh insists that accountability must be enforced to ensure that the United States participates in global climate reparations.
In summary, the United States’ withdrawal from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage signifies a setback for developing nations reliant on support for climate change impacts. The disappointment expressed by African negotiators highlights the significant challenges faced by vulnerable countries. As the largest historical emitter, the US faces scrutiny regarding its responsibilities in climate justice and reparations to mitigate impacts on vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.newsdrum.in
