Europe Pledges Over $10 Billion for Climate Change Adaptation in Developing Nations
The European Union hopes the deal can boost chances of further international agreement at the UN's climate summit A lot of the climate change debate may focus on how to cut carbon dioxide emissions to prevent global temperature rise, but many nations are already struggling with the consequences of local climate change--rising sea levels, water shortages and agricultural problems. Now the European Union has promised over $10 billion over the next three years for a "fast start" fund to help the poorest nations adapt to climate change. The pledge came during the UN's climate summit in Coopenhagen, Denmark, where political leaders have gathered to try and find agreement on cutting emissions. Nine European nations also took the opportunity to announce plans for a "supergrid" that would connect their offshore wind farms. That funding for adaptation, which also includes funds for emissions reduction, could go a long way toward easing the discontent...