Obama, in latest climate move, pledges $3 billion for global fund BRISBANE Australia/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday pledged a $3 billion U.S. contribution to an international fund to help poor countries cope with the effects of climate change, putting the issue front and center of the G20 Leaders Summit in Australia. "Along with other nations that have pledged support, we'll help vulnerable communities with early-warning systems, stronger defenses against storm surges, and climate-resilient infrastructure," Obama said in remarks ahead of the official opening of the G20 summit. We'll help farmers plant more durable crops. We'll help developing economies reduce their carbon pollution and invest in clean energy. The timing of the announcement was seen as putting pressure Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who is hosting the summit and once described climate science as "absolute crap." Abbott had hoped the G20 summit would focus on growth and jobs. "When most nations are saying we have to finance climate change responses, whatever Australia desires, it has to agree or it risks looking like the spoiler at what should be Australia's moment," Tim Costello, the head of World Vision Australia and the C20, or Civil Society 20, told Reuters. Highlighting Australia's exposure to climate change, Obama said longer droughts and more wildfires were likely. The incredible natural glory of the Great Barrier Reef is threatened. Worldwide this past summer was the hottest on record. No nation is immune and every nation has a responsibility to do its part. Additional reporting by Ros Krasny and Valerie Volcovici in Washington, and Alister Doyle in Oslo; Editing by Susan Heavey, Bill Trott, David Gregorio and Michael Perry