Belém: COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago has emphasized the importance of focusing on people in climate action at this year's conference. However, a coalition of fragile states insists that over a billion of the world's most vulnerable individuals are still marginalized in climate finance discussions.
According to African Press Organization, the Improved and Equitable Access to Climate Finance Network released a statement on Tuesday highlighting that nations affected by conflict and fragility are being excluded from funds necessary for adapting to climate impacts. This Network comprises ten countries grappling with fragile governance and conflict, including Burundi, Mauritania, Somalia, and Papua New Guinea, and is advocating for climate funds and COP30 to address this critical oversight in climate finance.
More than one billion individuals reside in countries plagued by conflict, violence, and fragile governance. Yet, in 2022, these nations received a mere 10% of global climate finance despite being highly susceptible to climate impacts. Yemen's minister of water and environment, Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, noted at a UNFCCC side event that complex procedures, limited technical capacities, and a lack of flexible financial instruments hinder these countries' access to climate finance.
Somalia's minister of environment and climate change, Bashir Mohamed Jama, highlighted the disparity between climate finance and humanitarian aid, noting that Somalia receives over $300 million annually for climate-related funding, which is less than 1% of what is needed for adaptation. In contrast, the country receives $1.1 billion in humanitarian aid each year. Jama stated that this discrepancy underscores a fundamental failure within the global development system, where it is easier to secure funding post-disaster than to invest in preventive measures.
Negotiations at COP30 to boost climate finance flows add urgency to this issue. Mauricio Vazquez, head of policy for risks and resilience at think tank ODI Global, stressed the importance of ensuring that existing funds reach those most in need, alongside efforts to unlock an additional $1.3 trillion in Belem.
The Improved and Equitable Access to Climate Finance Network, established in 2024, aims to highlight this blind spot in climate finance. On Tuesday, Mauritania, Papua New Guinea, and South Sudan became new members of the Network. The Network's statement calls for reforms in the allocation of climate finance by climate funds and development banks, ensuring that resources reach conflict-affected areas and support long-term resilience projects rather than post-disaster aid.
Climate adaptation is a priority at COP30, with governments striving to finalize indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation. However, experts warn that unless fragile and conflict-affected countries are included, climate impacts will continue to exacerbate challenges for the most vulnerable populations. Asif R. Khan from the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs highlighted the interplay between climate change and conflict, stressing the need for collaborative efforts in peacebuilding, development, and climate adaptation.
Donor governments are also focusing on integrated approaches. Ireland’s Minister of State, Neale Richmond, emphasized Ireland's commitment to reaching the most vulnerable first, advocating a comprehensive and inclusive strategy to foster peace and sustainability alongside climate resilience.