Biden Praises COP29 Deal, Vows US Action Despite Trump’s Return

AFP/APP

Washington: US President Joe Biden praised the COP29 deal on Saturday as a “significant step” toward combating global warming, pledging that America would continue climate action despite the climate skepticism of his incoming successor, Donald Trump.

“While there is still substantial work ahead of us to achieve our climate goals, today’s outcome puts us one significant step closer,” Biden said in a statement.

Following two weeks of intense negotiations in Azerbaijan, the agreement commits developed nations to provide at least $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist developing countries in greening their economies and preparing for worsening climate-related disasters.

Biden hailed the target as “ambitious,” though poorer nations criticized it as insufficient.

The Baku meeting convened shortly after Trump’s election to a new term in the White House, raising concerns that he may attempt to roll back Biden administration’s climate policies.

Biden, who will leave office on January 20, expressed confidence that the United States would maintain its commitment to climate action.

“This work will continue through our states and cities, our businesses, and our citizens, supported by durable legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act,” he asserted.

He further emphasized, “While some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution that’s underway in America and around the world, nobody can reverse it—nobody.”