U.S. Delivers on Commitment to Support Developing Countries on Climate

BAKU, Azerbaijan - President Biden announced the U.S. has delivered on his promise to provide $11.4 billion annually in climate investments for vulnerable nations from this year. That is more than seven times what the Trump administration contributed in its final year in office, and quadruple the highest level of U.S. support prior to that.

A statement follows from Jake Schmidt, Senior Strategic Director, International Climate, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

"President Biden recognizes the U.S. alone cannot solve the global climate crisis, and he delivered on his promise to provide much-needed investments to help the world confront it and protect the most vulnerable people from its impacts.

"This is not charity-it's justice. The countries that contribute the least to the climate crisis are suffering the most, and have the fewest resources to address it. As the world's biggest emitter of climate pollution over time, and one of the wealthiest countries, the U.S. must step up to its responsibility to support them.

"These investments are also strongly in America's own economic self-interest. The U.S. is rapidly building out its clean energy economy, which already supports nearly 3.5 million jobs nationwide. The Biden administration is seizing this opportunity to lead-providing American clean technology solutions to the world-and growing jobs, exports, and innovation at home.

"It's good for energy security-helping the developing world break free from the fossil fuels from autocratic countries that fuel a cycle of conflict and suffering, putting them and allies like the U.S. at risk.

"And it's good for the safety of people across the country. As Hurricanes Milton and Helene reminded us, until the U.S. tackles climate pollution not just within its own borders-but around the world-its people will continue to suffer ever-growing impacts, too.

"We look forward to seeing the full details of the U.S.'s international climate investments to ensure they balance support for adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing countries. And we will work to ensure the incoming administration and Congress to continues these vital investments that advance U.S. economic and security interests."

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).