Delegates meeting in Dubai agreed Thursday on the operationalization of a fund that would help compensate vulnerable countries coping with loss and damage caused by climate change, a breakthrough on the first day of this year's UN climate conference.

'Today's news on loss and damage gives this UN climate conference a running start. All governments and negotiators must use this momentum to deliver ambitious outcomes here in Dubai,' said UN climate chief Simon Stiell during a press conference at which the announcement was made.