Braced for impact

COP28 was a turning point for loss and damage funds to help the most vulnerable communities and nations

The idea of a dedicated Loss and Damage Fund has been a recurring theme in global climate negotiations for decades. Its roots can be traced back to the early 1990s. Early proposals were met with resistance from developed nations, who raised concerns about the precedent of compensation payments for climate change impacts. With the escalating threat of climate change bringing to the forefront the devastating effects of loss and damage, particularly on vulnerable communities and nations disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, the concept of a loss and damage fund has gained momentum over time. At the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022, countries agreed to establish a dedicated Loss and Damage Fund for the first time, recognizing the urgent need to address the irreversible losses and damages caused by climate change. Establishing the Loss and Damage Fund marked a significant step forward in the global climate change agenda, acknowledging the immense suffering experienced by vulnerable communities and nations.

Building upon the momentum generated at COP27, the 2023 COP28 climate summit in Dubai witnessed further progress on the Loss and Damage Fund. Member states gathered to finalize the operational structure and governance of the fund, ensuring its effectiveness and accessibility to those most in need. A key outcome of COP28 was allocating $700 million to the Loss and Damage Fund, a significant step toward addressing the funding gap that has hindered its implementation. This initial injection of resources will allow the Loss and Damage Fund to commence its operations and support vulnerable countries facing the devastating impacts of climate change. The World Bank is set to manage the fund, with plans to begin disbursing finances as early as 2024.

Establishing the Loss and Damage Fund represents a watershed moment in the global climate change response. However, the current pledged amount of $700 million covers less than 0.2 percent of the required funds, falling far short of the estimated $50 billion to $90 billion annually needed. Thus, securing sufficient financial resources is crucial for the Loss and Damage Fund to fulfill its mandate and provide comprehensive support to vulnerable communities.

Another significant challenge lies in operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund in a manner that is responsive, transparent and accountable to the needs of affected countries. The fund's governance structure must ensure that decision-making is inclusive and equitable, with a strong representation of vulnerable nations. Also, clear criteria for eligibility and disbursement of funds are needed. Furthermore, the Loss and Damage Fund must address the complex issue of attribution, determining the extent to which climate change can be directly linked to specific loss and damage events. This is essential to ensuring that compensation and support are allocated fairly and effectively.

Efforts are underway to expedite the adoption of new climate mechanisms. Notably, development banks are gearing up to launch a task force for debt-for-nature swaps, intending to amplify initiatives that enable developing countries to exchange debt for commitments to safeguard crucial ecosystems. Such a mechanism could provide financial resources and free up resources from debtor countries while helping protect natural resources and biodiversity. Also, in the absence of sufficient resources to respond to losses and damage independently, some vulnerable countries may consider using the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights as a source of funding to support areas with severe losses and damage.

To harness the potential of the Loss and Damage Fund, greater international cooperation and collaboration are needed, which are essential to mobilizing the necessary resources and ensuring the effective operation of the fund. This includes facilitating dialogue between developed and developing countries, promoting knowledge sharing, and strengthening partnerships with relevant organizations. Besides, supporting capacity-building efforts in vulnerable countries is vital to enhancing their ability to manage and adapt effectively to the impacts of climate change. This should include training, technical assistance and access to relevant technologies. In addition, regularly reviewing and evaluating the fund's performance is essential to ensuring its effectiveness and to adapting to changing needs. This includes assessing the impact of funded projects, identifying areas for improvement and making necessary adjustments to the fund's operations.

The Loss and Damage Fund represents a critical step forward in addressing the devastating impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Moving forward, addressing the funding gap, strengthening governance and transparency, and integrating loss and damage considerations into the broader climate finance framework are essential. While challenges remain, the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund provides a beacon of hope and a means to address the devastating impacts of climate change.

Wang Yao is director-general of the International Institute of Green Finance at the Central University of Finance and Economics. Shi Lin is a senior researcher and deputy director of the International Cooperation and Research Department at the same institute. The authors contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.