Summary of Key Loss & Damage Outcomes (Last Five COPs)
COP24 – Katowice (2018)
At COP24, discussions kept the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) as the formal structure for loss and damage, but no new dedicated finance or funding mechanisms were agreed. Emphasis was mainly on technical work rather than delivery.
COP25 – Madrid (2019)
COP25 continued to review WIM and advanced planning for the Santiago Network (for technical assistance), but no concrete finance commitments were made. Loss and damage remained a contentious issue without substantive funding outcomes.
COP26 – Glasgow (2021)
COP26 initiated the Glasgow Dialogue on potential finance arrangements for loss and damage and acknowledged the need to scale support. However, no specific fund was established and discussions remained exploratory.
COP27 – Sharm el-Sheikh (2022)
Historic progress was made: Parties agreed to establish a dedicated Loss and Damage Fund to provide financial assistance to vulnerable developing countries hit by climate impacts. A transitional committee was set up to design the fund’s modalities, but key details (funding sources and eligibility) were still unresolved.
COP28 – Dubai (2023)
The Loss and Damage Fund was operationalized, with governing arrangements agreed and financial commitments beginning to flow. This marked the first time a substantive funding entity was put into action under the UNFCCC.
Assessment of Satisfaction
Likert Scale Rating: 3 — Neutral
Justification
Some important progress has been achieved:
Over the five COPs, discussions moved from technical recognition (COP24–25) to political breakthrough (COP27) and institutional establishment (COP28) of a dedicated Loss and Damage Fund. This represents a major shift in global climate negotiations.
But significant challenges remain:
Finance scale and predictability: The Fund is operational, yet long-term, predictable contributions from wealthy nations are still uncertain and total pledges so far remain small compared with the scale of global loss and damage needs.
Implementation details: Eligibility, access modalities, and sustainable financing mechanisms still require continued negotiation and concrete agreements.
Justice and equity concerns: Many vulnerable countries sought binding commitments and clarity on compensation mechanisms, which are still not fully realized.
Well discussed