"President Barack Obama on Friday pledged a $3 billion U.S. contribution to an international fund to help poor countries cope with the effects of climate change, putting the issue front and center of the G20 Leaders Summit in Australia.

The large size of the contribution took climate policy watchers by surprise and doubles what other countries had previously pledged ahead of a Nov. 20 deadline. It would be the second major move on climate change taken by Obama after big Democratic losses in last week's midterm elections.

"Along with other nations that have pledged support, we’ll help vulnerable communities with early-warning systems, stronger defenses against storm surges, and climate-resilient infrastructure," Obama said in remarks ahead of the official opening of the G20 summit."

Lincoln Feast and Timothy Gardner report for Reuters November 14, 2014. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Tony Abbott Snubs Barack Obama’s Climate Fund Demand" (Sydney Daily Telegraph) [3]

"Two Charts That Show How the US Is Shortchanging the World" (Climate Desk/Mother Jones) [4]

"Obama Pledges $3 Billion for World Climate Fund, Makes the Gop Look Even Dumber" (Grist) [5]

"Climate: How Will Obama's $3B Pledge Play in GOP Congress?" (The Hill) [6]

"Canada Breaks With Australia To Contribute To Green Climate Fund " (Guardian) [7]