Island nations, least developed countries call for increased climate financing

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the least developed countries (LDC) have called for increased climate financing to support the most vulnerable nations amid the escalating climate crisis at COP29.

Cedric Schuster, Chair of AOSIS and Samoa's Minister for Natural Resources, stressed that, despite the Paris Agreement, many countries are failing to meet their commitments, putting the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C at serious risk, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He added that the minimum annual financial allocation for AOSIS countries should be no less than $39 billion.

"We are once again forced to emphasise the critical need for high levels of climate financing, particularly for small island states, which are among the hardest hit by the impacts of climate change," Schuster stated.

On behalf of the LDCs, Malawi's Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Yusuf Nkungula, also highlighted the urgent need for increased funding. He argued that the minimum amount of grants for these countries should be $220 billion annually.

"Our nations bear an disproportionate burden of the climate crisis, which negatively impacts the development of healthcare, education, and other key sectors," Nkungula said.

Both leaders expressed concerns over attempts by some developed nations to shift responsibility for climate financing onto the private sector and to expand the donor base to include countries such as China and oil-rich Gulf states. "We must adhere to Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which clearly defines the responsibilities of developed nations in providing climate finance," Schuster reiterated.

The issue of potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was also raised, with both coalitions warning that such actions could undermine international climate initiatives. "It is in the interest of all countries to remain committed to the Agreement, as failing to do so will create additional challenges for its implementation," they cautioned.

The protection of indigenous cultures, which have long played a crucial role in environmental conservation, was also a central topic at COP29. Uzodinma Adirieje, head of the African Health Organisations Association and a key participant in protests against the violation of indigenous rights by colonial territories, spoke to the media about the urgent need to address the destruction of these cultures.

Adirieje emphasised that indigenous peoples, who make up a significant portion of the world’s population, have historically been stewards of the environment. "Indigenous peoples from Africa to the Americas, from Asia and Europe to the Pacific, from the Caribbean to Australia, are an integral part of the world's 8 billion people," he said. "We are here to ensure the welfare of Nigeria's indigenous population."

He pointed out that in Nigeria, the rights of many indigenous communities are violated on a daily basis. "Some have been displaced from their natural environments without being offered suitable, accessible, and sustainable alternatives. Many local cultures, which have for centuries helped preserve nature, have been destroyed. Until the world pays attention to indigenous peoples, our climate control efforts will not succeed," Adirieje warned.

Both discussions underscore the critical intersection of climate financing, indigenous rights, and the global commitment to tackling climate change, highlighting the urgent need for equitable action in the fight against the climate crisis.

By Aghakazim Guliyev