The Trump administration has withdrawn the US from the loss and damage fund established to compensate developing countries for climate-induced harms, signaling a setback in international climate cooperation. Advocates criticize this decision, emphasizing its negative impact on vulnerable nations and the need for accountability in addressing climate crises. The US’s historical role as a major greenhouse gas emitter and its minimal financial contributions further exacerbate global climate challenges.
The Trump administration has officially withdrawn the United States from a global agreement that aimed to compensate developing nations suffering irreversible harms due to climate change. This decision halts the loss and damage fund, established during the Cop28 UN climate summit in late 2023, to provide financial support for developing countries disproportionately affected by climate-related crises, despite their minimal contribution to greenhouse emissions.
The loss and damage fund aimed to address significant economic and non-economic losses caused by extreme weather, including rising sea levels, desertification, droughts, and floods. The fund commenced operations on January 1, 2024, though the US had only pledged $17.5 million, indicating a history of delay and obstruction in climate financing. As the largest historical contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the US’s withdrawal signals a lack of commitment to this initiative.
Rebecca Lawlor, deputy director at the US Office of Climate and Environment, confirmed this withdrawal in a letter to stakeholders of the fund. Advocates from various regions, including the global north and south, have condemned this decision, emphasizing the negative implications for global cooperation and support needed by vulnerable nations.
Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, expressed concern about the US’s timing, stating it sends a detrimental message to those in urgent need. Other activists, such as Rachel Rose Jackson from Corporate Accountability, criticized the Trump administration’s policies as destructive to global climate efforts. Comments from Ali Mohamed, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, highlight the risks that US withdrawal poses to vulnerable countries seeking support against irreversible climate impacts.
This withdrawal follows Trump’s earlier exit from the 2015 Paris climate accord, where he labeled the agreement as unfair towards the US, while taking into account the emissions profiles of countries like China. Although it has reduced coal consumption, the US has become the leading oil and gas producer, while climate crises manifest in record-breaking temperatures and natural disasters across the country.
Currently, the loss and damage fund has garnered pledges from 27 countries amounting to $741 million—merely 0.2% of annual losses incurred by developing nations from climate change. Critics argue that the US’s exit from the fund further undermines international diplomacy and climate justice. Harjeet Singh, a climate activist, emphasized the need for accountability from the US as it continues to bear responsibility for climate impacts affecting global vulnerable populations.
The US withdrawal from the loss and damage fund, aimed at supporting developing countries affected by climate change, represents a significant setback in international climate cooperation. Despite pledging minimal funds and having a historical role in greenhouse gas emissions, the US’s decision draws criticism from climate advocates who stress the importance of global support during climate crises. Moving forward, accountability and climate reparations are essential for addressing the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations worldwide.
Original Source: www.nationalobserver.com
