Washington (January 17, 2016) – Responding to the State Department’s announcement of $500 million for the Green Climate Fund that helps poor countries respond to the impacts of climate change, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement. 

“I applaud Secretary Kerry's announcement of additional U.S resources for the Green Climate Fund. This innovative fund is making investments that will leverage climate-smart development and help protect people and the planet. Since the administration of President George W. Bush, America has worked with countries around the world to support economic development that also helps address the dangerous impacts of climate change.

"Whether President-elect Trump and his nominees are willing to admit it, climate change directly impacts our national security and our economy. From America to Zimbabwe, the impacts of climate change are already devastating people around the world, especially the poorest. Working together with other countries to implement global solutions to global warming will continue U.S. leadership and ensure that all countries are doing their fair share to combat the problem."