WASHINGTON (November 14, 2014) – Responding to reports that President Obama would be announcing the commitment of $3 billion over 4 years to the Green Climate Fund that helps poor countries respond to the impacts of climate change, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today released the following statement. Sen. Markey is Chairman of the Foreign Relations subcommittee that oversees U.S. participation in international environmental agreements and international economic development and chairs the U.S. Senate Climate Change Clearinghouse.

“Global warming is a global problem that needs a global solution. President Obama’s climate announcements this week demonstrate the importance of United States leadership in bringing all countries of the world together to support policies that are making economic and environmental sense and will help protect people and the planet.

“I applaud President Obama’s commitment to climate-smart investment in this innovative fund. Since the Bush administration, America has worked with countries around the world to support economic development that also helps address the dangerous impacts of climate change.”

The Green Climate Fund is consistent with measures included in the Waxman-Markey climate bill that passed the House in 2009, which included commitments to help developing country mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.