Kamala Harris Takes Center Stage at Cop28, Advocating for Global Climate Action

Kamala Harris addressed the Cop28 summit, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis and defending the US's climate commitments, including phasing out coal plants and reducing methane emissions. However, the US faced criticism for its limited assistance to developing countries and its continued expansion of oil and gas extraction. Harris emphasized the need for collective action and warned against opponents of climate action. The American delegation also announced a $3 billion infusion to the Green Climate Fund, but this funding would require approval from a Republican-controlled US Congress. Climate campaigners expressed disappointment over the symbolic absence of President Joe Biden at the summit and the US's relatively small contribution to the loss and damage fund.