The United States has formally exited a global agreement to compensate developing nations for climate change damages. This action elicited disappointment among African negotiators, highlighting the U.S.’s historical responsibility and its negative impact on vital support for vulnerable countries. Activists criticize this withdrawal as a barrier to achieving climate justice.
On March 7, 2023, the United States officially withdrew from a global agreement intended to provide compensation to developing nations for the damages caused by climate change. This decision has generated considerable disappointment among the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), a coalition of African countries involved in UN climate negotiations, who view this as a setback for vulnerable nations facing severe climate challenges.
Ali Mohamed, Chair of the AGN, expressed that the U.S. decision jeopardizes crucial support for nations enduring irreversible climate impacts. He highlighted that the U.S. holds the largest historical responsibility for climate change, thus intensifying the gravity of its withdrawal from the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
In an official letter addressed to Jean Christophe Donnellier, Deputy Director Rebecca Lawlor communicated the immediate withdrawal of the United States from the Board. Furthermore, she confirmed that both the U.S. Board Member and Alternate Board Member would be stepping down without replacement. The fund was established during the UN climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022 after persistent advocacy from developing countries suffering from climate change effects.
Climate activist Harjeet Singh criticized the withdrawal, stating it reflects a broader trend of U.S. obstruction in climate finance, undermining efforts for climate justice globally. He emphasized that as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States must be held accountable for its role in exacerbating climate adversities for vulnerable populations worldwide, urging them to contribute adequately towards global climate reparations.
In summary, the United States’ withdrawal from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage poses significant risks to developing nations grappling with the severe impacts of climate change. This decision not only reflects the historical responsibilities of the U.S. but also hinders ongoing global efforts for climate justice and reparations for affected populations. The response from the African negotiators and climate activists underscores the urgent need for accountability and appropriate climate financing for vulnerable countries.
Original Source: www.newsdrum.in
