New Funding for Climate Action Announced at COP28 Summit
Washington, DC – Vice President Kamala Harris Highlights US Leadership
Vice President Kamala Harris made a significant announcement regarding climate action during her speech at the COP28 summit in Dubai. Emphasizing American leadership on the climate crisis, Harris praised recent investments in clean energy and efforts to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities facing climate disasters.
US Pledges $3 Billion to the Green Climate Fund
Harris also revealed that the United States would pledge an additional $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund, which serves as the primary financial mechanism for assisting developing nations in adapting to climate change and reducing fossil fuel pollution. This commitment builds upon the previous $2 billion contribution made by the US to the fund.
Addressing Concerns and Demonstrating Ambition
The announcement came in response to criticisms from climate experts and advocacy groups who claimed that the US had contributed an insufficient amount of money, $17.5 million, to a recently established damage fund aiding developing countries in coping with climate disasters. Harris dismissed these concerns and asserted that the United States had effectively transformed ambition into action.
Investments in clean energy and Climate Resilience
Harris highlighted the significant investments being made as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act. She referenced the establishment of numerous solar panel, wind turbine, electric vehicle, and battery manufacturing plants. Additionally, she emphasized the implementation of measures to protect habitats and communities from climate-related extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
Phasing Out Coal-Fired Power Plants
Symbolizing its commitment to combat climate change, the US announced its intention to phase out coal-fired power plants and joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This international coalition focuses on halting the construction of new unabated coal plants that do not capture carbon emissions. The United States has been steadily reducing its reliance on coal as natural gas and renewable energy sources become more cost-effective alternatives.
Harris’s Public Messaging on Climate Change
Vice President Harris’s attendance at the summit in Dubai aligns with her recent efforts to prioritize and raise awareness about climate change. In recent months, she has engaged with students and young voters, recognizing their central role in addressing this issue. As the highest-ranking US official attending the conference, Harris has taken proactive steps to emphasize the urgency and importance of climate action.
Climate Change and the Israel-Hamas War
During the summit, Harris will also address the Israel-Hamas conflict and engage in discussions with world leaders. The White House stated that she will focus on planning for the aftermath of the conflict. This demonstrates the administration’s commitment to addressing multiple global challenges simultaneously.
Global Delegates Adopt Damage Fund
The COP28 summit began with the formal adoption of a long-awaited damage fund. Several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, pledged millions of dollars to support nations most severely affected by the climate crisis.
Public Perception and Biden’s Climate Change Agenda
Despite President Joe Biden’s prioritization of climate change, recent polls indicate that his administration has struggled to effectively communicate its achievements and gain public approval. Young progressive voters in particular have expressed dissatisfaction, believing that more needs to be done. A poll conducted by The Washington Post and the University of Maryland revealed that a majority of Americans, including young voters, disapprove of Biden’s handling of climate policy.
Source: CNN
Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-12-02 11:43:00
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