Neutral Satisfaction on Loss and Damage at COP21-COP 25: Progress has been mixed or insufficient - Nkata Johnpaul - Ug
Loss and damage outcomes from COP21 (2021) to COP25 (2025) show slow but tangible progress, from institutional reviews to funding operationalization, yet fall short of vulnerable nations' needs.
Key Outcomes Summary
COP21 (Glasgow, 2021): Established the Glasgow Dialogue on funding for loss and damage, launching technical discussions on finance arrangements without new commitments; advanced Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) workplan.
COP22 (Sharm El-Sheikh, 2022): Operationalized the Santiago Network for technical assistance on loss and damage, strengthening knowledge sharing for developing countries.
COP23 (Dubai, 2023): Historic decision at COP28 to establish the Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD), agreeing on institutional setup and host (WB interim), though pledges totaled just $700M initially.
COP24 (Baku, 2024): Finalized FRLD operational rules, board composition (24 members), and access modalities; pledges reached $800M but disbursements lagged.
COP25 (Belém, 2025): FRLD issued first $250M call for proposals; reviewed WIM third time, advancing national integration guidance and State of Loss and Damage Report; emphasized non-economic losses.
Satisfaction Assessment
3 - Neutral: Progress has been mixed or insufficient.
Justification
Milestones like the FRLD mark equity gains after 30 years of advocacy by SIDS/LDCs, addressing historical emitters' responsibilities per CBDR-RCB. However, $250M disbursed pales against $400-670B annual needs for Global South, with slow operationalization, wealthy nations' low pledges (<1% of $100B goal), and exclusion of key emitters from contributions fueling dissatisfaction. Real-world impacts—Pakistan floods ($30B), African droughts—demand faster finance, non-economic loss coverage (culture/biodiversity), and direct local access, revealing a justice gap despite institutional advances