On March 11, 2025, the Trump administration announced its formal withdrawal from the international climate Loss and Damage Fund, designed to assist poorer nations impacted by climate change. This decision, communicated to world financial institutions, follows a broader trend of reducing U.S. commitments to climate and foreign aid programs.
- U.S. withdraws from climate Loss and Damage Fund.
- Critics highlight impact on vulnerable nations.
- Trump administration emphasizes "America First" policy.
- Other countries exceed U.S. funding pledges.
- Fund seen as environmental justice by poorer nations.
- U.S. cuts funding for climate and foreign aid.
The Loss and Damage Fund was established in 2022 to provide financial assistance to countries most affected by climate change, particularly those with minimal contributions to global emissions. The U.S. had initially pledged $17.5 million to this fund, but the recent withdrawal reflects a significant shift in U.S. climate policy under the Trump administration.
Key points regarding the withdrawal include:
- The U.S. is the world’s largest historical emitter of carbon dioxide.
- Other countries, including Italy and France, have pledged a combined total of $104 million to the fund.
- The total pledges to the fund have reached approximately $741.42 million as of January 2025.
Critics of the withdrawal, including climate analysts and advocates, argue that this decision will exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable populations in poorer nations. Rachel Cleetus from the Union of Concerned Scientists emphasized that the U.S. is neglecting its responsibility to support those most affected by climate change. The fund was seen as a step towards climate justice, addressing the disproportionate impact of climate-related disasters on low-income countries.
This withdrawal is part of a broader trend under the Trump administration, which has included cuts to domestic environmental justice funding and foreign aid. Earlier this month, the U.S. also withdrew from a climate agreement aimed at assisting poorer nations in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
The U.S. withdrawal from the Loss and Damage Fund marks a significant reversal in its climate commitments, raising concerns about the future of international climate cooperation and support for vulnerable nations facing the impacts of climate change.
