The UN Climate Summit – COP28 opened in Dubai on day one with countries formally approving a climate disaster fund. 

The deal was adopted following the opening ceremony, drawing a standing ovation from delegates with the host, Dubai committing 100 million US dollars to the fund.

Representatives from developed and developing countries crafted the agreement during negotiations this year to launch a fund to help vulnerable nations cope with the cost of climate-driven damage from droughts, floods and rising seas.

Other countries promising to contribute to the fund include Germany, with 100 million; Britain pledging 75 million dollars,  the United States, with 17.5 million and Japan, with currently the lowest contribution of 10 million dollars.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber is the President of COP28.