"US Fears Climate Talks Will Focus on Compensation for Extreme Weather"

"US officials fear the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan will overshadow core issue of climate change prevention."

"WARSAW -- US officials fear that international climate change talks will become focused on payouts for damage caused by extreme weather events excacerbated by global warming, like the category 5 Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines last week killing thousands of people and causing what is expected to be billions of pounds of damage.

An official US briefing document obtained by the Guardian reveals that the country is worried the UN negotiations, currently underway in Warsaw, will 'focus increasingly on blame and liability' and poor nations will be 'seeking redress for climate damages from sea level rise, droughts, powerful storms and other adverse impacts.'

At last year's climate talks in Doha, the US fought calls by African, Pacific Island and least developed nations for a 'loss and damage mechanism' to channel finance to help nations cope with damages and losses resulting from climate change, such as reduced crop production due to higher temperatures."

Stephen Leahy reports for the Guardian November 13, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"Highlights for Tuesday, 12 November 2013" (IISD)

"Typhoon Haiyan sets the tone of UN climate change talks in Warsaw" (Times of India)

"Japan to Provide $16 Billion for Climate Efforts, Nikkei Reports" (Bloomberg)

"China 'Flexible' on Climate Talks But Rich Nation Funding Is Key: Top Negotiator" (Reuters)

"U.N. Carbon Panel Slashes Budget Amid Weak Offset Demand" (Reuters)

"UN Climate Talks May Only Bring Moderate Progress As Rich Nations Worry About Economy" (Reuters)

"Extreme Weather Risk Index Unveiled at UN Climate Talks" (Climate News Network)

"World Bank President: Typhoon Haiyan Should End ‘Silly’ Climate Change Debate" (AFP)

"Black Treasure in Poland Clouds UN Warming Negotiations" (Bloomberg)