US announces around US$6 billion to protect oceans

“During the conference, the United States made 77 announcements, from eight agencies and offices, worth a total of almost 6 billion dollars,” reported the United States embassy in Panama.

“We are undertaking many different initiatives to have the greatest impact possible,” said John Kerry, White House climate envoy, in Panama.

“The reason for the increase is that we passed the inflation reduction law in the United States, which invested a lot of money in combating the climate crisis, and the result is that we have a greater capacity to undertake initiatives that will have a climate impact,” Kerry explained.

Of the total, almost US$5 billion (around R$26 billion) will be allocated to tackling climate change, according to the statement. Of this amount, “US$2,6 billion (R$13,5 billion) of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act will be allocated to building lasting climate resilience for marine resources and coastal communities”.

More than US$665 million (R$3,4 billion) will also be allocated to developing sustainable fishing, more than US$200 million (R$1 billion) to anti-pollution programs, US$73 million (R$ 380 million) to blue economy programs, US$72 million (R$375 million) to maritime security and US$11 million (around R$57 million) to protected areas, according to the text.

The amount allocated by the United States is in addition to the 800 million euros (around R$4,4 billion) announced the day before by the European Union.

(AFP)

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