November 2, 2023 – Today, nearly 70 U.S. climate, development, faith, science, and social justice organizations sent a letter to the Biden administration urging them to change course at the Loss & Damage Transitional Committee (TC) meeting set for November 3-4 in Abu Dhabi. At this last-ditch TC meeting, negotiators hope to salvage a process that has come to an impasse thanks largely to hardline U.S. positions that would undermine the new Loss & Damage Fund intended to support communities in developing countries recovering from climate impacts.
Brandon Wu, Director of Policy & Campaigns at ActionAid USA, helped organize the letter and said:
“At a time when global solidarity is needed more than ever, the United States is effectively blocking progress on a new Loss & Damage Fund to support frontline communities in developing countries. As U.S. organizations, it is deeply painful for us to see these U.S. efforts to water down the new fund rather than help create a transformational new institution that can save lives and livelihoods around the world.
This letter reflects a consensus among the U.S. climate movement that our government must change course in these negotiations, start listening to developing countries and their people, and respect their needs and demands. A good outcome at the upcoming COP28 climate summit, and unlocking action on related goals like a fair fossil fuel phaseout, absolutely depends on this.”
The full letter, with organizational signatories, can be found here.
ENDS
For media requests, please email Christal.James@actionaid.org or call 704 665 9743.
