Governments have collectively pledged more than $400 million to create a loss and damage fund for climate disaster victims.

On the first day of UN climate talks in Dubai, negotiators approved plans to launch the fund. There were measures resolved by the transitional committee during five demanding meetings last year. Cop28 president Sultan Al Jaber welcomed the decision as "historic" with a broad smile after watching delegates erupt in applause. "It sends a positive signal of dynamism to the world and our work here in Dubai," he added.

Initial promises

After the adoption of the text, several countries pledged contributions to the initial phase of the fund. Germany and Cop28 hosts the United Arab Emirates have pledged $100 million each, followed by the United Kingdom (£40 million or $50.5 million), the United States ($17.5 million) and Japan ($10 million). (Matteo Civillini)