Biden Praises COP29 Climate Pact as “Significant Step” Amid Trump’s Incoming Presidency

US President Joe Biden speaks at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center grand opening ceremony in New York on June 28, 2024. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

U.S. President Joe Biden lauded the COP29 climate agreement on Saturday, calling it a “significant step” in addressing global warming, and reaffirmed America’s commitment to climate action despite incoming President Donald Trump’s skepticism on the issue.

“While there is still substantial work ahead of us to achieve our climate goals, today’s outcome puts us one significant step closer,” Biden said in a statement.

The deal, finalized after two weeks of intense negotiations in Azerbaijan, commits developed nations to providing at least $300 billion annually by 2035 to help developing countries transition to green economies and prepare for worsening climate disasters.

Biden described the agreement as “ambitious,” though it drew criticism from poorer nations, who labeled the funding inadequate to meet their needs.

The Baku summit came on the heels of Trump’s re-election, raising concerns that his administration may attempt to undo Biden-era climate policies.

Biden, set to leave office on January 20, expressed confidence in America’s continued progress. “Through our states, cities, businesses, and citizens, supported by durable legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, we will continue this work,” he said.

“While some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution underway in America and around the world, nobody can reverse it—nobody,” Biden asserted.