Biden Admin Pledges $3 Billion to Address Climate Change and Promote ‘Gender Equity’

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By Carina

The Biden administration has announced a significant commitment to combat climate change globally.

In a recent statement, it pledged $3 billion to assist less developed economies in addressing the impacts of climate change.

This commitment includes a substantial allocation for promoting gender equity in these countries.

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Vice President Harris Urges Global Action

At the United Nations’ annual climate summit in Dubai, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the need for affluent countries to intensify their efforts in combating climate change.

She highlighted the U.S. commitment to international climate finance, proudly announcing the $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund.

This Fund is crucial for helping developing countries transition from fossil fuels and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Green Climate Fund and Its Role

The Green Climate Fund, established by the United Nations in 2010, aims to facilitate developing countries’ shift towards sustainable energy and infrastructure.

The U.S. contribution, forming a significant part of the Fund’s $13.5 billion portfolio, is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives.

Historical Context of U.S. Involvement

The Obama administration initially pledged $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund in 2014. However, President Donald Trump, citing economic burdens on American taxpayers and disagreements with the Paris Climate Agreement, withheld the remaining $2 billion of this pledge and withdrew the U.S. from the Agreement in 2020.

The Biden administration rejoined the accord, reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to global climate goals.

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Vice President Harris’s Call for Continued Progress

In her address, Vice President Harris criticized those who deny climate science or delay climate action. She urged increased ambition and investment in climate initiatives, emphasizing the need for leadership, courage, and conviction in addressing these global challenges.

Congressional Division Over Climate Spending

The Biden administration’s pledge to increase climate investments comes amid deep divisions in Congress over spending priorities.

Republican hardliners have been vocal in opposing President Biden’s progressive agenda, calling for significant cuts to the federal budget.

Promotion of Gender Equity in Climate Initiatives

A vital component of the Biden administration’s climate pledge is the “Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE)” initiative, launched by Vice President Harris.

This initiative aims to enhance women’s economic participation in clean energy and environmental conservation sectors.

It includes substantial funding for programs designed to provide professional opportunities in sustainable economies, focusing on Brazil, Indonesia, Nepal, and Uganda.

Partnerships and Funding for Gender Equity

Significant financial commitments from organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation and the UPS Foundation will support efforts to advance women’s leadership in green sectors and create economic opportunities for women.

These partnerships are integral to the holistic approach of intertwining gender equity with climate action.

U.S. Commitment to Phasing Out Coal

John Kerry, President Biden’s top climate diplomat, announced at the Dubai summit that the U.S. will cease building new coal-burning plants and retire existing ones.

Joining the Powering Past Coal Alliance, the U.S. aims to phase out unabated coal to meet its 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity target by 2035.

This commitment is a significant step towards limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The Biden administration’s pledge represents a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, intertwining environmental action with social equity goals.

The commitment to financing developing countries and promoting gender equity in sustainable economies highlights the U.S.’s renewed leadership role in global climate initiatives.

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