Biden's new budget includes funds for climate change initiatives

President Joe Biden has proposed significant funding toward the United Nations Green Climate Fund in his latest budget plan.

Timothy Cama reports for E&E News.


In short:

  • Biden's fiscal 2025 budget aims to fulfill a pledge to the United Nations by proposing $500 million for the Green Climate Fund, with gradual increases up to $1 billion by 2028.
  • The proposal includes making these funds mandatory to ensure they are shielded from political fluctuations, highlighting the administration's commitment to international climate finance.
  • The plan is part of the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience, targeting over half a billion people in developing countries to adapt to climate change impacts.

Key quote:

"This funding will unlock private capital that will enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, help countries to reduce their emissions, enable the most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, and strengthen the resilience of their economies and critical infrastructure.”

— U.S. State Department

Why this matters:

President Biden's budgetary commitment underscores a significant U.S. re-engagement with global climate finance, signaling a shift toward more sustainable energy sources and resilience against climate change.

In 2021, Kartik Amaranth argued that methods of investing, lending, and risk assessment must change to prioritize equity.

A person holding a pile of organic soil in his hands

Deep soils could hold keys to climate resilience

A new research center is investigating how ancient soils could help farmers adapt to climate change and a warmer future.
A person holding a level on a solar panel

Hosting solar can be a lifeline for farmers, but overcoming local opposition is tough

Local opposition to solar has long been an obstacle for green energy developers in the United States, but some communities are working to reverse local restrictions.
An anesthesiologist wearing a blue jumpsuit and face mask holding an anesthesia mask for a patient

Hospitals are rethinking laughing gas. Here’s why

Hospitals are phasing out centrally piped nitrous oxide after recognizing it as a potent greenhouse gas that often leaks before reaching patients.

A man wearing a red jacket and carrying a red bag walking through a snowy landscape

This simple metal tube helps scientists predict drought before it happens

We’re in a perilous moment for water, but the Church Sampler is one of the many devices scientists can use help us make better decisions.

Cameras mounted on a tall pole with a house in the background

Tracking traffic pollution transforms city climate policy

Using traffic cameras and phone data, researchers created a real-time emissions map — giving cities a powerful new tool to cut pollution faster and smarter.

A refinery viewed from above

Returning to the 'Carbon Coast'

A surge in liquefied natural gas exports is transforming Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, bringing jobs and industry growth alongside rising energy prices, pollution concerns and impacts on local fisheries.

A wind turbine towering over a forest

Blowin’ in the wind: How Nordic countries made electricity free

As wind and hydropower flood Nordic grids, electricity prices are plunging and offering a glimpse of a cheaper energy future.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.