SHARM EL-SHEIKH (November 16, 2022)—As COP27 enters its final days, nations are still at an impasse on key issues—including funding for the loss and damage vulnerable countries are already facing from climate change. Establishing a funding facility is a vital mission for this year’s U.N. climate conference, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Rachel Cleetus, policy director and lead economist for the Climate and Energy Program at UCS.
“We arrived at COP27 with the clear knowledge that people around the world are already suffering devastating climate loss and damage. The science shows it will get worse, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable. Now it's crunch time at Sharm El-Sheikh and rich countries, including the United States and the EU nations, must step up. They must say yes to what developing countries are urgently calling for: an agreement to set up a fund for loss and damage at COP27 and get it up and running within two years.
“We don't need more delay and distraction. We need courage from world leaders and solidarity with people most affected by the climate crisis. Failure to agree to a fund at COP27 would be a severe blow to those whose lives, homes and livelihoods are on the line despite having contributed the least to the problem. It would also be an egregious abdication of responsibility by those who are the biggest contributors to climate change. The United States, in particular, must live up to its responsibilities here at COP27.”