The US should feel ashamed of shocking scene at COP28: Global Times editorial

I’m not a COP fan, but the Chinese just embarrassed the US something fierce.

The issue of funding has been a focal point in recent UN climate conferences, with prolonged and intense debates surrounding the amount of aid and compensation developed countries should offer for their historical emissions, as well as the ways of raising and distributing the funds. However, the urgency of the severe climate change situation has led to significant achievements. Developed countries have committed to mobilizing $100 billion a year to support climate finance. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund was a decision made at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, but its implementation has not been easy. Nonetheless, this time, several developed countries have made pledges toward the fund.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), host country of COP28, committed $100 million, Germany, $100 million, the UK, 40 million pounds (about $50.6 million) and 20 million pounds for other arrangements, Japan, $10 million, and the US, known for its grandstanding on climate issues, only $17.5 million.

When it comes to paying, some countries revealed their true face. The amount pledged by the US is meager in comparison with its status as the world’s largest economy and the responsibility in addressing climate change it should bear given its highest historical cumulative carbon emissions, leading to criticism from attending delegates and experts who deemed it “disappointing,” “shocking,” and “embarrassing.”

Read more:  https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1302884.shtml