The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Dec. 1, edition that the UN climate summit clinched an early victory Thursday, with delegates adopting a new fund to help poor nations cope with costly climate disasters. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that in establishing the fund on the first day of the two-week COP28 conference, delegates opened the door for governments to announce contributions. Several did, including $100-million from the COP28 host United Arab Emirates, at least $51-million from Britain, $17.5-million from the United States and $10-million from Japan. The European Union pledged $245.39-million, which included $100-million pledged by Germany. The early breakthrough on the damage fund could help grease the wheels for other compromises to be made during the two-week summit. COP28 president Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber acknowledged that there were "strong views" about the idea of including language on fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text. He said: "It is essential that no issue is left off the table. And yes, as I have been saying, we must look for ways and ensure the inclusion of the role of fossil fuels." He noted that many national oil companies had adopted net-zero targets for 2050.