Australia has announced a $50 million contribution to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The fund is designed to help countries, particularly those in the Pacific region, recover from the devastating impacts of climate change.
“We recognise the profound impact of climate change on Pacific communities, culture and livelihoods,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong. “Australia is proud to stand with our Pacific partners in addressing the climate crisis. We share the responsibility of protecting the lives and livelihoods that rely on the Blue Pacific.”
The fund will assist developing countries in responding to extreme weather events and slow-onset climate change impacts. “Now is the time for action and implementation – and for all major economies to do their part,” said Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. “Australia is committed to supporting Pacific priorities and welcomes Pacific leadership to drive climate action, including responding to loss and damage.”
Pacific nations, facing an existential threat from climate change, have prioritised support for loss and damage. “Australia made a foundational commitment to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which will also support projects to address loss and damage,” said International Development and Pacific Minister Pat Conroy. “We are continuing to listen and respond to Pacific-led priorities across our vast range of economic, development, climate change and humanitarian initiatives.”
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson added, “We need to be working together to respond to the impacts of climate change, particularly in the Pacific. This new Fund will be an important contribution to global efforts.”
Australia joins Canada, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and the United Kingdom, among others, who are also contributors to the Fund.
This contribution complements Australia’s foundational $100 million commitment to the Pacific Resilience Facility, its $50 million contribution to the Green Climate Fund and the incorporation of climate change action as a central pillar of Australia’s international development program.
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