US Pledges to Help Undeveloped Nations Fight Climate Change

The United States has pledged to contribute to a new multinational fund to help undeveloped nations meet the future challenges of climate change. In a speech made by Hillary Clinton – US Secretary of State – those present at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference were told that the US was prepared to aid in the raising of an annual $100bn total, but she also warned that the final day of the climate change summit would present “real challenges”.

Global Climate Change Deal

Today (December 17th) would have seen Denmark put forward a proposition for a non-final, global climate change deal, but these plans were abandoned after a number of undeveloped nations objected. “We are fighting like mad and we haven't given up, but we will need help from world leaders”, an unnamed official stated in comments quoted by Danish publication Politiken. “They must put their money where their mouth is. Otherwise it'll be very difficult.”

Climate Change: Undeveloped Countries

A number of major climate change issues remain unresolved between developed and undeveloped countries. These include the level at which to set individual national CO2 emissions reduction targets, and the level of foreign aid that poorer nations should be provided with. However, Mrs Clinton’s December 17th speech has been recognised as a sign of some degree of international progress.

“I would like to announce that in the context of a strong accord, in which all major economies stand behind meaningful mitigation actions and provide full transparency as to their implementation, the United States is prepared to work with other countries toward a goal of jointly mobilising $100 billion a year by 2020, to address the climate change needs of developing countries”, she said.

“We expect this funding will come from a wide variety of sources, private and public, bilateral and multilateral, including alternative sources of finance. This will include a significant focus on forestry and adaptation, particularly...for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.

Climate Change Agreement

“So there should be no doubt about the commitment of the United States to reaching a successful [global climate change] agreement here in Copenhagen, and meeting this great global challenge together, but ultimately this must be a common effort. We all know there are real challenges that remain in the hours left to these negotiations and it is no secret that we have lost precious time in these past days.“

According to some industry analysts, the $100 billion proposed falls below previous amounts specified by the IEA (International Energy Agency) and the World Bank, in terms of the climate change needs of undeveloped nations.

Tomorrow , December 18th, will see the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference reach its conclusion. Among those expected to attend is US President Barack Obama, but rumours have emerged suggesting that he might not turn up. On this subject, Mrs Clinton told journalists: “The President is planning to come tomorrow. Obviously we hope there will be something to come for.”