Biden climate change/ G20 summit/ global climate action/ Trump climate policies/ Paris Accord withdrawal/ Newslooks/ RIO DE JANEIRO/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden made a passionate plea at the G20 summit for world leaders to increase funding for developing nations to combat climate change. Announcing hundreds of millions in climate initiatives, Biden underscored the importance of global collaboration. However, his efforts face uncertainty as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to roll back climate policies and withdraw from international accords.
Biden’s G20 Climate Push: Quick Looks
- Climate Appeal: Biden urged leaders to boost funding for developing nations to combat climate change.
- Key Pledges: Announced $325 million for the World Bank and $4 billion for global development.
- Trump Opposition: President-elect Trump plans to withdraw from the Paris Accord and increase fossil fuel production.
- Legislative Legacy: Biden touted the Inflation Reduction Act as a milestone in U.S. climate policy.
- Global Collaboration: Biden emphasized forests as crucial tools in the climate fight.
At G20, Biden Highlights Climate Legacy as Trump Era Looms
Deep Look
President Joe Biden wrapped up his final G20 summit with an impassioned call for global leaders to sustain and expand their commitments to addressing climate change. Speaking Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro, Biden urged developed nations to allocate more resources to help vulnerable countries transition away from fossil fuels and build resilience against climate impacts.
“It’s critical that developing countries have enough firepower and access to capital to combat climate change,” Biden told world leaders. “We need to continue to give breathing space to countries that are weighed down by debt.”
Funding Pledges for Global Climate Efforts
Biden announced several new initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and fostering global development, including a $325 million U.S. contribution to the World Bank to help developing nations reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Additional pledges included $4 billion over three years to the International Development Association and a joint partnership with Brazil focused on clean energy production and supply chain development.
Forests, particularly in the Amazon, were a focal point of Biden’s address. Calling them “some of the most powerful tools in the fight against climate change,” Biden underscored the urgency of protecting these ecosystems. “Once they’re gone, it’s hard to get them back,” he warned.
Trump’s Shadow on Biden’s Climate Agenda
Despite the ambitious announcements, Biden’s efforts face significant challenges as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Trump has consistently dismissed the climate crisis as a “hoax” and has vowed to withdraw from the Paris climate accord—a move he previously executed during his first term. Trump also plans to scale back funding for Biden’s signature climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, which invested heavily in clean energy and green infrastructure.
Biden acknowledged the challenges posed by Trump’s return to power, stating during a weekend visit to the Amazon, “Some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution. But nobody can reverse it—not when so many people, regardless of party or politics, are enjoying its benefits.”
Biden’s Climate Legacy
Biden touted his administration’s climate achievements, particularly the Inflation Reduction Act, as the most comprehensive climate legislation in U.S. history. However, Trump has labeled the act the “Green New Scam” and promised to redirect its funding to traditional energy projects.
Under Biden, the U.S. rejoined the Paris climate accord and committed billions to international climate initiatives. His administration also prioritized global cooperation, a theme he emphasized during his G20 remarks. “We as leaders need to find ways to flow money into [developing] economies,” Biden said, advocating for continued investment in green energy transitions.
Tensions at the Summit
Biden’s climate push came against a backdrop of tensions over U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its support for Israel amid conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Still, Biden used the G20 platform to emphasize the importance of climate and development as enduring legacies of his presidency.
The summit also saw lighter moments, including a group photo where Biden stood near Chinese President Xi Jinping. A missed photo opportunity earlier in the summit caused a minor stir, attributed by U.S. officials to a timing mishap. Brazilian officials, however, highlighted their culture’s strict adherence to punctuality. “When it’s time, it’s time,” said Brazil Communications Minister Paulo Pimenta.
Global and Domestic Challenges Ahead
Biden’s climate initiatives will face scrutiny under a divided Congress, as Republicans are set to control both the House and Senate. Many of Biden’s proposed contributions, including $667 million to a global pandemic fund, will require Congressional approval, an uncertain prospect given GOP resistance to international climate commitments.
As Biden closes his presidency, his climate efforts highlight both progress and the fragility of global cooperation. With Trump poised to reverse course, the future of U.S. climate policy—and its leadership role on the global stage—hangs in the balance.
