The Trump administration has withdrawn the U.S. from a global agreement aimed at compensating developing nations for climate damage. The loss and damage fund, which became operational on January 1, 2023, was established to support vulnerable countries suffering from climate impacts. Critics emphasize that this decision undermines international cooperation and responsibility of the U.S. as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases.
The Trump administration has officially withdrawn the United States from a crucial global agreement aimed at compensating developing nations for the damages caused by climate change. This decision comes after the establishment of the loss and damage fund during the COP28 UN climate summit in late 2023, which was a significant achievement following years of advocacy by nations most impacted by climate change. The fund represents a commitment from developed nations to support vulnerable countries facing irreversible economic and environmental losses due to climate impacts such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Historically, the U.S. has exhibited a pattern of delaying and obstructing climate initiatives, having contributed a mere $17.5 million to the fund, which became operational on January 1 of this year. The announcement of withdrawal was made by Rebecca Lawlor, deputy director of the U.S. Office of Climate and Environment, stating, “The United States is withdrawing from the board for the fund for responding to loss and damage, effective immediately.”
This withdrawal has elicited strong condemnation from climate advocates, both from the global north and south. Mohamed Adow, a climate policy analyst, emphasized the negative implications of this decision, stating, “The US decision to step away from this commitment at such a crucial moment sends the wrong message to the global community… this regrettable decision risks undermining collective progress.”
Rachel Rose Jackson, a director at Corporate Accountability, criticized the Trump administration’s actions, noting, “Let’s be clear – the US has never been a climate champion. Yet the Trump administration’s anti-climate action agenda… is dangerous and will destroy lives.”
Moreover, Ali Mohamed, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, highlighted the seriousness of this withdrawal, asserting that it jeopardizes essential support for nations facing dire climate consequences. In the past, Trump had also withdrawn from the Paris climate accords, claiming they were detrimental to U.S. interests. This withdrawal from international agreements undermines global diplomatic efforts to address climate change.
In recent years, the U.S. has experienced severe climate-related disasters, exemplifying the urgent need for cooperative international action. By late January, 27 countries had collectively pledged $741 million to the loss and damage fund, a mere fraction of what is required to address the climate emergencies faced by many developing countries.
Climate activist Harjeet Singh criticized the Trump administration’s decision, reminding that the United States, as the largest historical emitter, has a significant moral obligation to contribute towards global climate reparations, noting that it undermines worldwide efforts to secure necessary climate finance for affected populations.
The withdrawal of the United States from the loss and damage fund exemplifies a broader rejection of cooperative global diplomacy on climate change. Critics argue that this decision sends a detrimental message to vulnerable nations facing dire consequences due to climate impacts. As the largest historical emitter, the United States bears considerable responsibility and must be compelled to fulfill its obligations concerning climate reparations and support for developing nations.
Original Source: www.nationalobserver.com
