UN climate fund still short of $10 billion goal

A United Nations fund aimed at helping poor nations mitigate and adapt to climate change fell short of its $10 billion target after a meeting between countries in Berlin.

Officials said on Thursday that after roughly 30 countries met in Berlin, they pledged a total of $9.3 billion toward the fund, The Associated Press reports.

{mosads}The United States committed a total of $3 billion, which is the largest amount pledged by any nation so far. Britain committed $1.13 billion; and Japan, Germany and France were among the other substantial donations.

Germany’s environment minister remained optimistic that the $10 billion goal could be reached because a number of countries said they would increase their commitments.

“I’m confident that we will reach the $10 billion goal,” Barbara Hendricks told reporters. “$9.3 billion is already pretty close.”

The target was meant to be reached by the time countries meet for the next round of climate talks in Lima, Peru, in December.