aBOUT 47 of the world's poorest countries have agreed to strive for 100 percent green energy. The pledge was announced on the last day of the Marrakech climate conference. These countries also announced that they would update their national strategies for curtailing carbon emissions by 2020.

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The pledge, known as the Marrakesh Vision, was forwarded by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). The countries, including Haiti, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh, have pledged to use 100 percent green energy between 2030 and 2050. The forum consists of 47 countries.

The commitment has been widely welcomed.  Miguel Arias Canete, the European Union climate commissioner called the pledge "impressive and inspirational." However, these countries may require foreign support to make the transition to renewable energy.

The CVF also expressed concerns about the actions taken by the richer countries to reduce carbon emissions.

"We don't know what countries are still waiting for to move towards net carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy," Edgar Gutierrez, Costa Rica's minister for the environment, said.

Richer countries have pledged to contribute $100 billion a year (starting in 2020) towards the green climate fund. The United States had promised $3 billion as initial capital for the fund but has contributed only $500 million so far. With the appointment of Donald Trump as next president of the United States, the fate of the fund hangs in the balance.

Trump has openly expressed his skepticism about global warming. Tosi Mpanu-Mpanu of the Democratic Republic of Congo said that if the US pulls out, it can create an environment of uncertainty. Tosi is the chair of the group of Least Developed Countries in these talks.

The CVF also unanimously agreed to create an international cooperative system. The main aim of the system will be to bring about consistent changes to fully prepare for climate upheavals.