At the end of UN climate talks in POZNAN, Poland, developing nations criticized the rich for their stinginess in launching a small $80 million Adaptation Fund to aid poor countries in dealing with climate-related challenges like droughts and floods. They expressed disappointment and sadness, stating that this fund size was not a good sign as negotiations continue towards a new treaty to combat global warming in Copenhagen in 2009. Colombian Environment Minister Juan Lozano highlighted the importance of considering the human impact of climate change, especially on vulnerable populations, and expressed concern about the lack of donor support due to global economic difficulties. Indian representative Prodipto Ghosh expressed his sorrow at the current climate crisis during the 189-nation talks, stating that it was one of the saddest moments he had witnessed in his 12 years of attending U.N. climate meetings. Other nations such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Maldives echoed similar sentiments. Many delegates at the talks in Poland hoped that U.S. President-elect Barack Obama would implement more aggressive climate policies. Environment ministers at the conference established rules for the Adaptation Fund, which aims to assist developing nations in constructing flood defenses, creating drought-resistant crops, and issuing storm warnings. Polish Environment Minister Maciej Nowicki, the host of the talks, highlighted the launch of the fund as the most significant accomplishment of the Poznan conference. The fund, which may begin distributing money in 2009, currently has $80 million but could potentially increase to $300 million annually by 2012. United Nations estimates suggest that developing countries will require billions of dollars each year by 2030 to address the impact of climate change. Poland's expenditure for hosting the December 1-12 conference was 24 million euros ($31.84 million). Developing nations criticized wealthy countries for obstructing an agreement in Poznan regarding a larger funding mechanism that could generate around $2 billion per year. The decision on this matter was postponed until 2009. Yvo de Boer, who leads the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, stated that the discussions accomplished their objectives but admitted there was some discontent. He acknowledged that only half the necessary work for Copenhagen had been completed. However, he noted that Poznan successfully reviewed advancements towards a comprehensive new global climate agreement to be finalized in Copenhagen in December 2009 as a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol. Environmentalists had a different perspective. Stephanie Tunmore from the environmental group Greenpeace expressed deep disappointment in the lack of progress made in the meeting. She mentioned that the review part was straightforward, as not much was achieved in 2008. Environmentalists criticized Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand for hindering progress and not setting ambitious targets to reduce emissions. In contrast, Mexico, China, and South Africa presented proposals to address the issue of increasing emissions. European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas confirmed that discussions were progressing well, with everyone agreeing that addressing climate change aligns with addressing the economic crisis. European Union ministers in Poznan were pleased after EU leaders in Brussels reached an agreement to reduce greenhouse gases by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, despite having to make significant concessions to east European countries. Through the Adaptation Fund, funds are raised by imposing a 2 percent levy on a U.N. system of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing nations, generating 60 million euros ($80 million) thus far.