Stage set for conflict at COP28 with mixed response to outcome of key climate talks

By SIBI ARASU
Associated Press

BENGALURU, India (AP) — Tense negotiations at the final meeting on a climate-related loss and damages fund — an international fund to help poor countries hit hard by a warming planet — ended Saturday in Abu Dhabi, with participants agreeing that the World Bank would temporarily oversee the fund for the next four years. The U.S. and several developing countries expressed disappointment in the draft agreement, which will be sent for global leaders to sign at the COP28 climate conference, which begins in Dubai in December. The U.S. State Department, whose officials joined the negotiations, said in a statement it was “pleased with an agreement being reached” but regretted that it does not make contributions to the fund voluntary.