As the world’s eyes turn to Dubai for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Austin-based Texas Impact/Texas Interfaith Power & Light is sending video dispatches from the conference to the Chronicle.

The first day of COP28 started with an historic decision to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to help countries address the irreparable impacts of ongoing climate change. Loss and Damage negotiations have been ongoing since COP27 in Egypt and the text of today’s decision has been available for weeks; nevertheless, this was the first time the COP has adopted a decision on Day One. It’s a big deal. The establishment of the fund was followed swiftly by pledges from countries to contribute to the fund so it can become operational quickly. UAE pledged $100 million (U.S dollars). Germany also pledged $100 million. The U.S. pledged $17.5 million. Wait, what? Texas Impact’s Bee Moorhead and colleague Regina Banks deliver first takes on the new fund and what the U.S. needs to do to stay at the grownup table.

Follow Texas Impact/Texas Interfaith Power & Light’s continuing coverage from COP28.

About Texas Impact

Texas Impact exists to put faith into action. We equip faith leaders and their congregations with the information, opportunities, and outreach tools to educate their communities and engage with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues. We are an interfaith group that works together on issues that impact the most vulnerable people in our communities. We help people live out their faith in the public square, moving the faith community from charity to justice.