Joy for countries vulnerable to climate change as Loss & Damage Fund attracts $400m pledges at COP28

There is hope for countries vulnerable to climate change as governments of some nations pledged more than $400 million for the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.

This was made known at the opening plenary of the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties(COP28) in Dubai on Thursday.

The Loss and Damage Fund is a fund to provide a form of reparation such that rich nations are to pay a damage cost to developing nations, which are more vulnerable and are often more affected by climate change.

The agreement to establish a loss and damage fund was made at COP27 in Egypt last year after several years of debating on the issue.

Germany and CoP28 hosts the United Arab Emirates committed $100 million each, followed by the United Kingdom (£40m or $50.5m), the United States ($17.5m) and Japan ($10m).

EU member states, including Germany, are expected to collectively deliver at least €225m ($245m).

“It’s a historic moment — but critical concerns must still be addressed,” said Harjeet Singh, Head of Global Political Strategy, Climate Action Network International.

He added, “Rich countries have pushed for the World Bank to host this fund under the guise of ensuring a speedy response.

“Conversely, rich nations have also attempted to dilute their financial obligations and resisted defining a clear finance mobilisation scale. The absence of a defined replenishment cycle raises serious questions about the Fund’s long-term sustainability.

“Therefore, a robust system, integrated with the Global Stocktake process and the new climate finance goal, is needed to ensure a meaningful COP28 outcome.

“The responsibility now lies with affluent nations.

“They must meet their financial obligations in a manner proportionate to their role in the climate crisis — driven by decades of fossil fuel consumption and a lack of adequate climate finance delivered to the Global South.”

Also, reacting to the development, Landry Ninteretse Africa Director 350.org said, “The step towards operationalizing the Loss and Damage fund is a promising start to the climate talks. The urgency of the climate crisis requires that we move with speed to translate this to action and work towards the delivery of financing to communities that continue to bear the brunt of the climate crisis in the most climate-vulnerable regions. It is time for those historically responsible for the climate crisis to pay up to deliver justice to those disproportionately affected by their reliance on fossil fuels.”