Climate talks stall as negotiators debate funding for vulnerable nations

Climate talks stall as negotiators debate funding for vulnerable nations

Negotiators at the UN climate summit in Azerbaijan struggle to agree on a $1.3 trillion finance package to help developing nations tackle climate change impacts and transition to clean energy.

Melina Walling, Sibi Arasu, Seth Borenstein and Michael Phillis report for The Associated Press.


In short:

  • Developing nations –which are least responsible but most vulnerable to the climate crisis– demand $1.3 trillion in funding, a figure most experts agree is reasonable.
  • However, proposed figures from developed nations range widely, with some as low as $200 billion.
  • Disagreements persist over the size, source and distribution method of funds, with tension between grants and loans.
  • Some progress has been made on commitments to phase out fossil fuels and implement carbon credit systems.

Key quote:

“Developed countries whose legal obligations it is to provide finance continue to shift their responsibility to developing countries.”

— Diego Pacheco Balanza, chair of the Like-Minded Developing Countries negotiating bloc.

Why this matters:

A failure to secure adequate climate funding risks derailing global efforts to curb emissions and protect vulnerable communities. The disparity in proposals underscores the challenge of aligning wealthy nations, which are responsible for 80% of historic global carbon emmissions, with the needs of developing ones.

Related: Report proposes fossil fuel tax to fund climate crisis aid

Chunks of ice float in ocean from melting polar ice sheets.

New hires in Department of Energy challenge climate science consensus

The Trump administration has quietly brought on three scientists who have long dismissed mainstream climate science, raising fears that federal climate policy may take a dangerous detour.

Maxine Joselow reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
An oxidized fence running along a flooded river.

Flood deaths rise in Texas as Trump slashes disaster preparedness and weather forecasting

More than 100 people are dead and dozens remain missing after flash floods hit Texas Hill Country, raising alarm over deep staffing cuts and disbandment plans at federal emergency and weather agencies under President Trump.

Nina Lakhani and Oliver Milman report for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
Water churning during a flash flood
Credit: Hans/Pixabay

Schumer calls for investigation into Texas flood response

Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling for a federal investigation into whether staff vacancies at National Weather Service offices in Texas worsened the outcome of the July 4 flash floods that killed scores of people.

Alexander Bolton reports for The Hill.

Keep reading...Show less
A map showing the city of New Orleans being inundated by water.

New satellite data shows parts of New Orleans sinking rapidly, threatening flood defenses

Parts of New Orleans are sinking up to two inches per year, with key flood protections including levees and wetlands losing elevation quickly, raising concerns about the city's ability to withstand future storms.

Rebecca Dzombak reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
A bench sitting in floodwaters.

Vulnerable communities hit hard by cancelation of climate grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Trump has canceled more than $2.7 billion in climate and environmental justice grants, derailing projects in flood-prone and pollution-burdened communities across the country.

Ames Alexander reports for Floodlight.

Keep reading...Show less
An offshore wind turbine on a cloudy day.

Denmark pushes to tie climate goals to European defense and economic strength

Denmark launched its European Union presidency with a push to keep climate policy on the agenda, arguing that energy independence is critical to Europe’s security and competitiveness.

Rosie Birchard reports for Deutsche Welle.

Keep reading...Show less
Disaster response kit Go-Bag
Credit: Getty Images For Unsplash+

A customizable survival kit for climate-fueled disasters

Grist has launched a free, customizable guide to help communities prepare for and recover from extreme weather events, hoping to close a vital information gap during disasters.

Lyndsey Gilpin reports for Grist.

Keep reading...Show less
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.