Context:
Following the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, there has been significant discussion concerning the eligibility of subnational entities like districts to receive compensation through the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
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
