US refuses climate reparations for developing nations

John Kerry, the former US secretary of state, firmly rejected the notion of the US providing financial assistance to countries affected by climate-related disasters during a hearing before the House of Representatives foreign affairs committee.

In response to committee chair Brian Mast's question regarding compensation for flood, storm, and other climate-driven damages, Kerry categorically stated, "No, under no circumstances."

Kerry's statement came just days ahead of his scheduled trip to Beijing, where he intended to engage in discussions with Chinese officials on climate change matters.

Among the topics on the agenda was the forthcoming UN climate conference, COP28, slated to occur in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November.

Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, a climate and energy think and do tank based in Kenya, said: "This is like a millionaire crashing their Ferrari into your house and then refusing to pay for the building to be fixed. It is a completely unacceptable statement from a so-called climate envoy from the world’s largest fossil fuel producer. It shows utter disregard for the international climate negotiations not to mention the people in desperate need for loss and damage funding."