Trump administration withdraws from two major global climate programs
The United States has pulled out of two key international climate finance initiatives, limiting support for developing nations facing climate disasters and slowing efforts to transition away from coal.
Chico Harlan reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The U.S. withdrew from the "loss and damage" fund, which helps vulnerable countries recover from climate disasters, and from the Just Energy Transition Partnership, designed to support coal-dependent economies shifting to clean energy.
- A U.S. Treasury Department spokesperson said the move aligns with Trump’s “America first” policy on international agreements, while critics argue it undermines global climate efforts.
- The decision reduces a $13.8 billion pledge to South Africa’s energy transition by $1 billion and is expected to affect projects in Indonesia as well.
Key quote:
“By turning its back on international climate financing, the U.S. is failing its moral obligation as a historic polluter, abandoning the global community and shirking its share of our collective responsibility.”
— Namrata Chowdhary, chief of public engagement for 350.org
Why this matters:
Wealthier nations have long pledged financial help to poorer countries that bear the brunt of climate change but contribute little to its causes. The U.S., historically the world's largest carbon emitter, had been a key participant in global climate finance efforts. Its withdrawal leaves developing nations with fewer resources to recover from disasters and shift away from fossil fuels. The decision may further strain relations between industrialized and developing countries as climate change costs continue to rise.
Learn more:
