FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 11 March 2025
US pullout from Loss and Damage Fund a ‘gut punch’ to Asia’s frontline communities
The US announced that it has pulled out from the landmark Loss and Damage Fund–the latest in the series of climate commitment rollbacks by the world’s second biggest emitter under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Established at COP28, the Loss and Damage Fund was a hard-won victory by climate-vulnerable nations and groups and communities fighting for climate justice. It was a recognition that frontline nations deserve not just thoughts and prayers, but actual resources to recover from the devastation that fossil-fueled economies have inflicted upon them. As of January, the Loss and Damage Fund had $741 million in pledges, with the US under the Biden administration pledging $17.5 million.
For Asia, home to 60% of the world’s population and some of its most climate-vulnerable communities, this is a betrayal with real consequences. The financial mechanisms meant to help Asian nations cope with escalating climate chaos remain woefully inadequate—and is now made even worse by the US retreating from its obligations.
Chuck Baclagon, 350.org Asia Regional Campaigner says:
“The US decision to walk away from the Loss and Damage Fund is more than just another broken promise—it’s a gut punch to the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations in Asia, where the climate crisis isn’t a distant threat but a daily reality. From Bangladesh’s sinking deltas to Vietnam’s vanishing coastlines, from Pakistan’s catastrophic floods to the supercharged typhoons hammering the Philippines, the continent is already bearing the brunt of a crisis it did little to cause. The US commitment to loss and damage is a paltry $17.5 million, less than the cost of a single F-35 fighter jet. But even that token commitment has now been rescinded. It’s a move that lays bare Washington’s priorities: there’s always money for war, never enough for climate reparations.
“The US decision to walk away from the Loss and Damage Fund is more than just another broken promise—it’s a gut punch to the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations in Asia, where the climate crisis isn’t a distant threat but a daily reality.”
Chuck Baclagon, 350.org Asia Regional Campaigner
If the US won’t step up, other major economies responsible for the bulk of historical emissions, such as European countries and China, must fill the gap. The US can turn its back on the Loss and Damage Fund, but it can’t outrun the crisis it helped create. Sooner or later, the bill for climate inaction comes due—for all of us. The question is whether we’ll let the most vulnerable pay the highest price, or whether we’ll finally confront the climate emergency with the urgency and solidarity it demands.”
Fread de Mesa, 350 Pilipinas National Coordinator says:
“The Loss and Damage Fund was established as a lifeline for nations like ours, meant to support communities devastated by typhoons, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. For decades, the Philippines has endured climate-induced disasters, from Haiyan to Odette, with little to no reparations from those most responsible. The US’ refusal to contribute to the fund proves once again that they prioritize corporate interests over the lives of people in the Global South. Their withdrawal is not just about money—it is about their unwillingness to acknowledge their role in the destruction of our communities.
“Climate finance is not charity; it is a moral obligation. We will not allow the voices of our communities to be drowned out by empty promises and broken commitments. We will continue pushing for real solutions.”
Fread de Mesa, 350 Pilipinas National Coordinator
As the host of the Loss and Damage Fund, we call on the Philippine government to take a firm stance in demanding accountability from the US and other historical polluters. Climate finance is not charity; it is a moral obligation. We will not allow the voices of our communities to be drowned out by empty promises and broken commitments. We will continue pushing for real solutions—community-led renewable energy, resilience-building, and policies that center the needs of the most vulnerable. The struggle for climate reparations is far from over, and we will not stop until those responsible are held accountable.”
Amanullah Porag, 350.org South Asia Coordinator says:
“The US walking out of the Loss and Damage Fund is a blatant show of disrespect towards the world’s most climate-affected countries. We relentlessly fought for the Loss & Damage fund for 28 years before it was finally established. The US walking out of the fund betrays its lack of commitment and goodwill, undermining the very foundations of multilateralism. It is an affront to frontline communities in South Asia for whom climate reparations is a lifeline. We don’t just need funds–we need justice.”
“The US walking out of the fund betrays its lack of commitment and goodwill, undermining the very foundations of multilateralism. It is an affront to frontline communities in South Asia for whom climate reparations is a lifeline. We don’t just need funds–we need justice.”
Amanullah Porag, 350.org South Asia Coordinator
Jeri Asmoro, 350.org Indonesia Digital Campaigner, says:
“Annually, Indonesia loses around $31 billion from climate-induced disasters such as droughts, floods and typhoons. Now more than ever, farmers, fishers and other frontline communities need adequate climate reparations. As it is, the Loss and Damage Fund barely covers what vulnerable communities need.
“Climate justice demands that major emitters take responsibility through sustained, substantial financial commitments that match the scale of the crisis—not token pledges that can be abandoned at the drop of a hat.”
Jeri Asmoro, 350.org Indonesia Digital Campaigner
The US pullout from the fund further widens the gap between what is required for many communities to survive and the support available. Climate justice demands that major emitters take responsibility through sustained, substantial financial commitments that match the scale of the crisis—not token pledges that can be abandoned at the drop of a hat.”
Media contact:
Ilang-Ilang Quijano, Asia Communications Manager
ilang.quijano@350.org
+639175810934