U.S. Withdraws from Climate Damage Fund [1]
On March 4, 2025, the United States withdrew [3] from the Board for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, as transmitted in a letter from the U.S. Treasury Department.
This move reverses the U.S. commitment to the Fund, which was established at the 2023 COP28 UN Climate Change Conference to support developing nations disproportionately affected by climate change. The Fund was designed to assist nations suffering from loss of life, destruction of ecosystems, and infrastructure damage due to climate change. As of January 2023, the U.S. had joined other nations in pledging a total of $700 million to the Fund, with the U.S. contributing $17.5 million.
The withdrawal follows broader efforts to reduce U.S. participation in international climate initiatives. The loss of U.S. funding is expected to have a significant impact on the Fund’s ability to function effectively.
The decision has received widespread condemnation from climate activists and international leaders, raising concerns about the future of global climate finance and the ability of developing nations to address climate-induced losses.