The wealthiest countries' ability to assist poor and developing countries in dealing with the devastating effects of climate change appears to be eroding at the ongoing COP27 in Egypt.
They have already failed to deliver on a promise of $100 billion in climate finance per year to assist poorer countries in adapting to a rapidly changing climate, leaving a lot of ground to make up in order to regain trust.
"It is time to acknowledge the mistakes of the past and to act with common decency/humanity."
To begin, Global Campaigns Director at 350.org, Agnes Hall said, more European nations must make concrete financial commitments for Loss and Damage, and the EU bloc must ensure that the faulty mechanisms and processes for compensation are fixed.
Only five countries have so far committed to funding the loss and damage finance mechanism, namely Austria, Scotland, Belgium, Denmark, and Germany.
Austria announced $50 million in climate 'loss and damage' funding today at COP27, just hours after Scotland's first minister pledged an additional £5 million in direct finance to assist developing countries in dealing with the unavoidable, devastating effects of the climate crisis.
Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Scotland have committed small amounts of loss and damage funding, breaking ranks with other rich nations that have resisted such payments, according to experts, "for fear of spiraling liabilities" for their outsized contribution to climate change.
Germany, on the other hand, intends to make funding available through its Global Shield Against Climate Risks insurance scheme. While some climate costs may be covered by insurance, loss and damage require long-term funding from dependable sources.
The most widely supported threshold for adequate climate finance is about $1.3 trillion per year, as announced at COP26 in Glasgow last year.
360.org described it as huge gap between the promised funds and what is needed to ensure that the world's most vulnerable communities receive the support they deserve to deal with the climate crisis.
According to Joseph Sikulu, Pacific Regional Director at 350.org, the Pacific welcomes any resources pledged to repair what impacted communities have lost due to climate change.
According to Joseph, the commitment from Scotland, Austria, and other countries comes as Pacific civil societies launch the Kioa Climate Emergency Declaration, which calls for new and additional loss and damage financing from wealthy countries.
"The lives and livelihoods of Pacific peoples continue to suffer irreparable damage caused by a climate crisis that we have contributed the least to. Pacific representatives are fatigued in climate negotiations as we see empty promises and unfulfilled pledges. Global North countries have a responsibility to ensure that loss and damage funding is not only sufficient but also accessible to those who need it most,” Joseph said in a statement.
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Today’s front pages: Friday, May 3, 2024
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