Pacific

US pledges to increase funding to 11 Pacific countries

14:56 pm on 4 February 2020

The United States has pledged to increase funding to 11 Pacific countries to improve standards of living and their adaptation to climate change.

The small islands and islets of Tuvalu have been categorised as some of the most vulnerable to climate change. Photo: RNZ / Jamie Tahana

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) mission director to the Pacific said Washington had pledged more than $US100 million of new funding to the region.

Lawrence Hardy said the money would support adaptation goals, access to climate financing, and improve fisheries management.

The climate funding comes only weeks after the US left the Paris climate accord.

Mr Hardy said several other US government agencies were expected to provide new funding and support in the future.