John Kerry, the special U.S. Presidential Envoy for Climate, confirmed America’s commitment to providing $3 billion annually to assist developing countries, particularly African nations, in adapting to the effects of climate change.
Speaking at the inaugural Nairobi African Climate Summit, Kerry mentioned, “U.S. President Joe Biden has initiated a program to support individuals in developing countries, notably African nations, to adapt to climate change.”
He highlighted Biden’s promise to assist half a billion people in these countries by offering about $3 billion annually to cope with the adverse impacts resulting from climatic shifts.
Additionally, the U.S. Envoy informed, as reported by the ‘Al-Hurra’ news channel on Tuesday, that the United States also commits to providing $30 million towards climate adaptation, food security, and technology transfer to developing countries, especially in Africa. He emphasized Africa’s significant challenges arising from climate change effects.
The Kenyan capital, Nairobi, recently hosted the first-ever African climate summit. Here, African leaders discussed transitioning to green energy in the presence of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The continent’s priorities for the upcoming global climate summit, COP 28, scheduled for November in the UAE, were also on the table. Renewable energy projects and funding for combating climate change phenomena are expected to top the summit’s agenda.
Convened by Kenyan President William Ruto and organized in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the summit also deliberated on climate-related commitments, pledges, outcomes, current challenges, and the efforts undertaken by nations in this respect.
In recent years, developed nations have recognized the importance of supporting developing countries in their efforts to address and adapt to climate change. The adverse impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events, often disproportionately affect developing nations.
As such, financial assistance and technology transfers from wealthier countries to those in need can play a crucial role in global mitigation and adaptation efforts. The United States, under the Biden administration, has made significant pledges to demonstrate its commitment to this global challenge.
