https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230907/us-refuses-to-pay-climate-reparations-despite-being-huge-polluter-1061935529.html
US Refuses to Pay Climate Reparations Despite Being Huge Polluter
US Refuses to Pay Climate Reparations Despite Being Huge Polluter
Sputnik Africa
The US envoy for climate change made his remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the first-ever Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023, which took place in... 07.09.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-09-07T14:38+0200
2023-09-07T14:38+0200
2023-09-07T14:38+0200
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The first US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry has ruled out the possibility of paying climate reparations to developing countries, despite acknowledging his country's role as one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases.Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023, Kerry reiterated his earlier statement at a hearing in the US Congress in July that the country would not be forced to pay climate reparations, a form of compensation for the irreversible impacts of climate change that cannot be adapted to or mitigated.While acknowledging that the United States is one of the world's biggest polluters, the American envoy said that all the world's nations face the same challenge of climate change.His position contrasted with his efforts to spearhead a Loss and Damage Mechanism, which was agreed upon at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) and aims to address the needs of people affected by climate-related loss and damage. Kerry told world leaders at the summit that the loss and damage process should be completed within a year and expressed sympathy for those suffering from the effects of climate change.However, when asked by a Kenyan journalist about his views on loss and damage payments, Kerry said that the facility should not be punitive or entail any legal liability for developed countries.However, Kerry added that the US believes in the concept of loss and damage, and that it is important for responsible nations to help affected countries.He also said that his country is proud to be the world's largest humanitarian donor and has helped many other countries with climate emergencies as well as health issues.On another note, Kerry said he personally supports Kenyan President William Ruto's idea on carbon pricing. During the ACS 2023, Ruto proposed that African countries adopt a carbon tax, which would charge companies for their greenhouse gas emissions.ACS 2023 was held under the theme "Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World" and was organized by the African Union Commission in partnership with Kenya. The summit aimed to showcase Africa's progress, share perspectives, and align priorities for global discussions on climate change. The event also sought to launch a new ambition for Africa and invite partnerships with the rest of the world.According to the United Nations, Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, despite contributing two to three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230905/how-much-financing-may-africa-need-for-climate-adaptation--1061890491.html
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US Refuses to Pay Climate Reparations Despite Being Huge Polluter
Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
The US envoy for climate change made his remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the first-ever Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4 to 6.
The first US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry has ruled out the possibility of paying climate reparations to developing countries, despite acknowledging his country's role as one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit
(ACS) 2023, Kerry reiterated his earlier statement at a hearing in the US Congress in July that the country would not be forced to pay climate reparations, a form of compensation for the irreversible impacts of climate change that cannot be adapted to or mitigated.
While acknowledging that the United States is one of the world's biggest polluters, the American envoy said that all the world's nations face the same
challenge of climate change.
His position contrasted with his efforts to spearhead a Loss and Damage Mechanism, which was agreed upon at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) and aims to address the needs of people affected by climate-related loss and damage. Kerry told world leaders at the summit that the loss and damage process should be completed within a year and expressed sympathy for those suffering from the effects of climate change.
However, when asked by a Kenyan journalist about his views on loss and damage payments, Kerry said that the facility should not be punitive or entail any legal liability for developed countries.
"This is not a unique position for the United States and many nations in the world. We have said we are not going to create a liability structure on the court," he responded. "Changing the dynamics and everything we do in a very negative way. We are not going to do that."
However, Kerry added that the US believes in the concept of
loss and damage, and that it is important for responsible nations to help affected countries.
"Since 1988, the US and other countries have taken enormous steps to respond to this reality. Mother Nature doesn't choose between the emissions of one country and those of another. What affects Mother Nature is the total emissions that go into the atmosphere," Kerry told journalists.
He also said that his country is proud to be the world's largest humanitarian donor and has helped many other countries with climate emergencies as well as health issues.
On another note, Kerry said he personally supports Kenyan President William Ruto's idea on
carbon pricing. During the ACS 2023, Ruto proposed that African countries adopt a carbon tax, which would charge companies for their greenhouse gas emissions.
"It’s clear that as a result of procrastination and doing what we shouldn’t have done, more and more damage and injury is taking place. You have to be pretty blind not to see some responsibility," Kerry said. "The US president and his administration have not yet endorsed any carbon pricing mechanisms, but they have directed us to look at the most prominent and the most possible and to think about what the arguments are."
ACS 2023 was held under the theme "Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World" and was organized by the African Union Commission in partnership with Kenya. The
summit aimed to showcase Africa's progress, share perspectives, and align priorities for global discussions on climate change. The event also sought to launch a new ambition for Africa and invite partnerships with the rest of the world.
According to the United Nations, Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, despite contributing two to three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
