As the United Nations climate summit COP27, which lasts for two weeks, started on Sunday in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, climate experts and small and developing nations marked an early success. After 27 years of UN-led climate negotiations and 30 years of activist movements, the matter of compensation for those affected by the climate crisis has been included on the agenda for the first time.
The problem of compensating for the loss and damage caused by the human-induced climate crisis is commonly referred to as “loss and damage.” This encompasses the loss of cultures, livelihoods, properties and human lives. This year has witnessed numerous tragic events occurring worldwide, such as flooding that has caused devastating damage in Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts in the Horn of Africa, and cyclones in the Caribbean.
Those who bear the brunt of the severe consequences reside in areas that traditionally have not emitted much, and have played the smallest role in causing climate change. Therefore, there is a widespread agreement from climate justice advocates to governments that these individuals deserve reparation for the harm and devastation they have endured.
However, this agreement was only reached in recent months. Even during COP26 last year, smaller and developing nations accused a coalition of wealthier countries, led by the US, of diluting the language on “loss and damage” in the Glasgow Climate Pact.
The United States has the highest historical record of emitting greenhouse gases among all countries worldwide. Furthermore, due to its substantial influence and authority in the global arena, its position regarding topics such as loss and damage could potentially affect those experiencing the consequences of climate change worldwide.
As of September, John Kerry, Joe Biden’s climate envoy, prioritized obtaining funding for adapting to future climate crisis impacts, rather than compensating victims. However, several weeks later, he seemed to have a different attitude. As reported by the AP, Kerry recognized that there is an obligation for the US to address loss and damage. He remarked, “We are working toward it, and we will in Sharm. We will not be obstructing.”
Addressing a Chatham House event in London the previous week, Kerry cautioned that the media must not approach COP27 with the notion that the US is obstructing advancements in loss and damage. Nevertheless, given its influential negotiating stance and past hesitance, the media, alongside all COP27 attendees, will carefully monitor the US to gauge the extent of its dedication towards this matter.
A pressing issue and a trial for COP27.
This year, nations worldwide have experienced the effects of the climate emergency through unprecedented occurrences of extreme weather. As a result, the gap between the compensation available for affected individuals and the actual losses and damages incurred continues to widen. However, progress towards the establishment of adequate funding remains sluggish.
Getting the issue included on the agenda for COP27 has not been an easy task. Delegates stayed up until the early hours of Saturday morning to negotiate an agreement on how to incorporate loss and damage on the summit’s agenda. Now that it has been achieved, the actual work starts.
“The positivity lies in the parties’ ability to collaborate to find solutions for any issues related to the agenda item,” stated UNFCCC Chief Simon Stiell at a press conference on Sunday. “However, the true measure of success will depend on the quality of the discussions held over the next fortnight.”
Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, expressed hope that COP27 will result in an agreement to establish a finance facility, with plans to finalize the details at COP28 in the following year. The agenda calls for an agreement to be reached “no later than 2024,” but there are concerns about this timeline being too delayed.
Mitzi Jonelle Tan, a MAPA activist for Fridays For Future, has been advocating for financing for loss and damage after witnessing the devastating effects of the climate crisis in the Philippines, her home country. She appreciates the addition of loss and damage as a vital measure but cautioned against any delays.
“It seems like the leaders of the world, particularly those from the Global North, fail to comprehend the immediacy of the matter and are endeavoring to evade their obligations,” she expressed. “We require an establishment for financial support to compensate for the loss and damage. These affluent nations are accountable for climate compensation owed to us for the havoc inflicted upon our communities in the past, present, and future.”
