UK Halves Green Climate Fund Contribution to Boost Military Spending

The UK government has officially notified the UN’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) that it will cut its pledged contribution for the 2024-2027 period by half, reducing the amount from £1.622 billion to £815 million. This decision reflects a broader strategic shift in British policy, redirecting funds from international development aid to significantly increase military spending amid growing global security threats. Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper described the move as a difficult but necessary step to support the largest defense budget increase since the Cold War. The reduction has drawn sharp criticism from climate advocates and experts, who label it moral bankruptcy and warn it sets a dangerous precedent for other donor nations. With the US already withholding funds under President Donald Trump, there are fears that European allies may also trim their aid budgets. While existing GCF projects remain funded, the executive director warned of material impacts on future initiatives. This cut brings UK overseas development spending down to 0.3% of gross national income, despite previous commitments to restore it to 0.7% when fiscal conditions allow.