‘A drop in the ocean’: US faces criticism for small contribution to COP28 climate fund

The United States is facing criticism for its notably low contribution to COP28 climate fund, igniting disappointment among experts and advocacy groups. Global delegates at COP28 in Dubai ratified a long-awaited damage fund aimed at aiding nations severely impacted by the climate crisis and carbon emission. This was an early success on the first day of talks that allows more time to discuss the thorny issues around slashing fossil fuels. “We have delivered history today — the first time a decision has been adopted on day 1 of any COP,” a CNN report quoted COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber as saying. According to the report, citing a release, several countries promptly pledged funds to the initiative following its formalisation. While the United Arab Emirates and Germany led with contributions of $100 million each, and the UK pledged £60 million, the US, in contrast, committed only $17.5 million, and Japan contributed $10 million, drawing sharp criticism from experts and groups who labelled it as “disappointing” and “embarrassing” considering the size of its economy, added the report. The notably smaller amount from the US compared to other major donors attracted attention, with experts highlighting political pressures faced by the US delegation, given the dynamics within the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. “The United States, the largest historical contributor of the planet-heating emissions that scientists agree are fueling the climate crisis, has objected to tying loss and damage funding to each wealthy nation’s emissions—perhaps partially explaining why the Biden administration pledged only $17.5 million to the fund,” Hindustan Times report quoted Common Dreams think tank as questioning in a column. Mohamed Adow from Power Shift Africa deemed the US contribution insufficient, calling it a mere fraction of what is required to address pressing needs. Such contributions are “a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the need they are to address,” the HT report quoted Adow as saying. “In particular, the amount announced by the US is embarrassing for President [Joe] Biden and (Special Presidential Climate Envoy) John Kerry,” Adow added. “It just shows how this must be just the start.” Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of World Resources Institute, emphasised the fund’s significance but expressed concern over the inadequate contributions from the US and Japan. “The loss and damage fund will be a lifeline to people in their darkest hour, enabling families to rebuild their homes after disaster strikes, support farmers when their crops are wiped out, and relocate those that become permanently displaced by rising seas,” he told CNN. Tom Evans of E3G acknowledged the cautious labeling of the US donation as a “climate impacts fund,” possibly to avoid resistance from Congress. He highlighted the challenge of securing approval for such contributions, citing past difficulties faced by the United States in this regard, according to the report. Several individuals expressed disappointment over President Biden’s decision to skip the summit.

“Given the US status as the world’s biggest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, Biden’s decision to skip the world leaders’ summit at COP28 in Dubai will invite criticism from the Global South, which has done the least to cause global warming yet is bearing the brunt of its effects,” wrote former diplomat Brahma Chellaney on X. With inputs from agencies