US seeks to ‘reassure’ world at COP climate conference

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🗞️ Driving the news: In the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) aims to reassure global leaders at COP29 that significant parts of the U.S. remain dedicated to combating climate change
• Whitehouse will lead a small Democratic delegation to Baku, Azerbaijan, amid concerns that a Republican-led Congress may roll back climate regulations

🔭 The context: Trump's past withdrawal from the Paris Accord and focus on fossil fuels have raised worries that U.S. climate leadership will weaken again
• Meanwhile, key climate advocates argue that efforts at the state level and among climate-conscious lawmakers could sustain progress

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As the U.S. faces potential policy reversals, global climate goals may be compromised, impacting the momentum toward critical emissions reductions needed to mitigate climate change

⏭️ What's next: Whitehouse and other Democratic leaders at COP29 will strive to emphasize U.S. commitments despite federal shifts
• However, the international community remains wary, recalling similar trust rebuilding periods after previous U.S. leadership changes

💬 One quote: “We will not give up the fight for climate action and against the fossil fuel corruption that’s soon to take power in Washington,” - Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

📈 One stat: The Biden administration pledged to double U.S. climate finance to developing countries, aiming for $11.4 billion annually by 2024, although current contributions remain below this goal

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