Context:
In light of the escalating climate crisis, the ‘Loss and Damage’ (L&D) fund and adaptation have recently come into focus.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Loss and Damage Fund: Addressing Irreversible Climate Consequences
- Challenges Regarding the Loss and Damage Fund
- Way Forward for the Loss and Damage Fund
Loss and Damage Fund: Addressing Irreversible Climate Consequences
- The Loss and Damage (L&D) fund addresses irreversible climate change consequences unmitigated by adaptation efforts.
- Compensation for real losses encompassing human rights, well-being, and environmental sustainability.
Genesis and Historical Accountability:
- Persistent calls over 30 years for affluent nations to acknowledge historical pollution’s role in global temperature rise.
- Historic pollution causes widespread damage, especially affecting the poorest nations.
COP 19 and Fund Inception:
- Formal agreement at COP 19 in 2013 led to the establishment of the L&D fund.
- Designed to provide financial and technical assistance to economically developing nations facing Loss and Damage.
Subsequent Developments and Challenges:
- COP 25:
- Santiago Network for L&D established, but no country committed funds.
- COP 26:
- 2021 summit in Glasgow continued discussions on the fund’s operationalization.
- COP 27 (November 2022):
- Agreement to set up the L&D fund.
- Transitional Committee (TC) formed to devise operational mechanisms.
Stalemate at TC4 and TC5:
- TC4 Meeting:
- No consensus on operationalizing the fund.
- Contention over hosting at the World Bank, common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), climate reparations, and eligibility of developing nations.
- TC5 Meeting:
- Drafted recommendations forwarded to COP 28.
Challenges Regarding the Loss and Damage Fund
Non-Commitment of Developed Nations:
- Developed nations, especially the US, show reluctance to be primary donors, raising doubts about their commitment.
- Voluntary support undermines global climate negotiations and cooperative efforts.
Uncertainty Regarding Fund Size:
- Lack of clarity on the fund’s size, with attempts to specify it thwarted by the U.K. and Australia.
- The current draft urges developed nations to contribute without a defined commitment or framework.
Discontent among Developing Nations:
- Developing nations feel their concerns are inadequately addressed, complicating climate action and eroding trust.
- Weakness in the L&D fund threatens climate justice, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
Global Implications:
- Weakening the L&D fund has broader implications, challenging climate justice and worsening the plight of vulnerable communities.
- Potential security challenges arise as climate-induced instability leads to conflicts with cross-border repercussions.
Humanitarian Consequences:
- Absence of support for vulnerable communities may result in humanitarian crises, including food shortages, displacement, and conflicts.
- Communities are left to independently cope with worsening climate impacts, exacerbating the humanitarian burden.
Way Forward for the Loss and Damage Fund
Call for Active Contribution:
- Urge developed nations to play a pivotal role as primary donors to the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund, demonstrating a robust financial commitment.
Advocate for Transparency:
- Push for transparent discussions to clearly define the fund’s size, operational guidelines, and allocation mechanisms, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.
Promote Diplomatic Dialogues:
- Foster open diplomatic dialogues addressing the concerns of developing nations, emphasizing collaboration for impactful climate action and resolution of global issues.
Address Security Implications:
- Proactively tackle security implications arising from climate-induced instability, implementing measures to manage humanitarian crises and support vulnerable communities.
-Source: The Hindu
