What is COP28 and the Loss and Damages Fund?
The fund marked a historic breakthrough after years of advocacy by vulnerable nations who have contributed the least to global emissions but are suffering the most from climate impacts such as rising sea levels, floods, and droughts. This fund aimed to hold wealthier, developed nations, who are historically the largest emitters, accountable by providing financial support to those most affected by global warming. As of January 23rd this fund has accumulated 741 million dollar with donors from 27 countries, although the U.S. has only contributed 17.5 million despite being one of the largest polluters in the world. While this system is not perfect as it often excludes climate refugees from support, it was still a monumental step in global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.
US Withdrawal
Despite the progress made at COP28, the United States, under the Trump Administration, made an unsurprising move by withdrawing from the Loss and Damage Fund. A quote from Rebecca Lawlor, reported by an article from The Guardian:
"On behalf of the United States Department if the Treasury, I write to inform you that the United States is withdrawing from the board for the fund responding to loss and damage, effective immediately," said Rebecca Lawlor, the deputy director at the US Office of Climate and Environment, in a letter to the fund.
The decision was met with widespread criticism from climate
It is frustrating the US has chosen to withdraw from this agreement, especially given how much impact climate change is having on vulnerable countries. The fund was a vital step towards global cooperation and action towards climate change, and the US withdrawal could undermine that progress.
ReplyDeleteThis post is really well written. I had never heard of this fund. It is unsurprising that the Trump administration decided to withdraw from it. I do not see a reason to do this, it is almost as if the US is going completely backwards and going to isolate itself.
ReplyDeleteThis was very interesting and well-written. I hope the U.S. can do what is best for the climate in future years. We will see what happens and we can hope for the best. I hadn't really heard of this. I appreciate you covering it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Liz about hoping that the U.S will make better decisions for climate change in the future although i fear that this might not happen until trump is out of office so many much is being done to harm our climate with recent acts the U.S has made such as pulling out of important agreements like the Paris agreement and the cop28.
DeleteIt seems a major part of climate-related costs are from restoration not prevention so eliminating a loss and damage fund is likely to be costly.
ReplyDeleteInteresting information! The Loss and Damage Fund was a big step for climate justice, so the U.S. pulling out feels like a setback. It’s frustrating because wealthy nations should be leading, not stepping back. But hopefully, international pressure keeps the momentum going. Climate change isn’t waiting for politics to catch up!
ReplyDeleteI had no clue such an apparatus existed! The Loss and Damage Fund sounds like it has a lot of potential, it is a shame that the U.S. pulled out but hopefully that will change in the future.
ReplyDeleteYou clearly explain the globally disturbing consequences of US withdrawal from the Loss and Damage Fund (and of course also the Paris Agreement). What kind of planet is Trump trying to create?
ReplyDeleteCOP is very important for the fight against climate change and the USA pulling out is terrible. It seems like this presidency does not care all about the effects that climate change will have on this planet and us.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really insightful post! It's very disheartening to see that the US has withdrawn from such a vital initative. This undermines international trust and sets a dangerous example for other major polluters.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. withdrawal from the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP28 undermines global climate cooperation and accountability, jeopardizing vital support for developing countries most affected by climate change, but advocates remain hopeful for a potential reversal through continued pressure and legal challenges.
ReplyDeleteThe Loss and Damages Fund from COP28 was a major step for climate justice, but the U.S. withdrawal undermines global cooperation. It’s a setback for vulnerable nations needing urgent support.
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