UNITED NATIONS, Dec 05 (IPS) – The conclusion of the twenty ninth Convention of Events (COP29) brings with it a mix of urgency, frustration, and a glimmer of hope for the Least Developed International locations (LDCs), Landlocked Growing International locations (LLDCs), and Small Island Growing States (SIDS).
These nations, accountable for solely a fraction of worldwide greenhouse gasoline emissions, undergo disproportionally from the devastating impacts of local weather change.
But, for these susceptible international locations, the outcomes of COP29 fell brief. Whereas there was progress in sure areas, the agreements reached don’t match the dimensions of the challenges. Because the UN Secretary-Normal António Guterres rightly underlined, COP29 supplies a basis, but it surely calls for pressing and bold motion to construct upon it.
Local weather Finance: The Lifeline for susceptible nations
One of many COP29’s pivotal final result was the settlement to attain a worldwide local weather finance purpose of at the very least USD 300 billion yearly by 2035. Whereas this quantity doesn’t deal with the wants of probably the most susceptible nations, we should guarantee it’s delivered in full.
Whereas COP29 left ambiguity within the precise supply of those funds, between now and 2035, we must always search to determine aspirational targets for quantities flowing from the established monetary devices underneath the UNFCCC-such because the Adaptation Fund, the Least Developed International locations Fund, and the Particular Local weather Change Fund.
We should additionally intently observe the quantities for adaptation, and to the extent doable be sure that these finance flows are from public sources, and grant-based assets or extremely concessional means.
Whereas COP29 didn’t set targets for probably the most susceptible nations, systematic reporting might be essential to making sure that assets attain those that want them most.
The formulation and implementation of Nationwide Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are essential for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS to answer escalating local weather threats. COP29’s institution of a help programme for NAP implementation in LDCs is a optimistic step. Nonetheless, swift and environment friendly operationalization is important.
Loss and Harm: From guarantees to actuality
Progress on the Loss and Harm Fund was a key spotlight of COP29. Turning pledges into tangible contributions is now the precedence. Stepping up capitalization and speedy and efficient operationalization of this Fund are essential to addressing irreversible losses in lives and livelihoods brought on by local weather change.
Mitigation and Vitality Transition
Whereas COP29’s mitigation outcomes have been modest, the urgency for emissions reductions can’t be overstated. Based on the 2024 UNEP Emissions Hole Report, emissions should fall by 42 % by 2030 in comparison with 2019 ranges to remain on observe for the 1.5°C goal.
For LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, attaining this requires unprecedented help to make sure entry to renewable vitality and investments in sustainable vitality. A simply vitality transition is integral not just for local weather objectives but additionally for financial development and attaining the Sustainable Growth Targets (SDGs).
A Name to Motion
COP29’s outcomes remind us that incremental steps are inadequate. The world’s most susceptible international locations are dealing with a local weather emergency that calls for daring and instant actions. This consists of:
- Guaranteeing well timed and sufficient local weather finance flows to LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
- Enhancing help for adaptation, notably via public grant and extremely concessional means.
- Full and efficient operationalization of the Loss and Harm Fund.
- Empowering LDCs and SIDS to totally take part within the Article 6* market mechanisms.
- Supporting sustainable vitality transitions aligned with world local weather objectives.
The survival of LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS isn’t just a litmus check for world local weather commitments -it is a matter of justice, not charity.
As we glance towards COP30 and past, let COP29 be a catalyst for higher ambition and unity. The time for half-hearted measures is over; the world should ship on its guarantees to safe a simply and sustainable future for all.
Rabab Fatima is Below Secretary-Normal and Excessive Consultant for the Least Developed International locations, Landlocked Growing International locations, and Small Island Growing States (UN-OHRLLS).
Previous to her appointment, she was the Ambassador and Everlasting Consultant of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. In that function, she co-chaired the preparatory committee conferences of the Fifth United Nations Convention on the LDC (2021). She additionally served because the President of the Government Boards of UNICEF (2020) and UN-Ladies (2022) in addition to Vice-President of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Government Board.
She was the primary ladies to be elected because the Chair of the Peacebuilding Fee in 2022. She additionally led different inter-governmental processes, together with the facilitation of the progress declaration of the primary Worldwide Migration Assessment Discussion board.
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/article-64-mechanism
IPS UN Bureau
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