We are the largest global network of civil society organisations working together to strengthen the resilience of communities most at risk of disasters. This call to action has been co-developed with GNDR members from across the globe. It draws upon findings from membership surveys, inputs from GNDR’s Climate Working Group, and consultations with our members.
COP29 comes at a pivotal moment in climate policy and intergovernmental relations. With the recent Global Stocktake, it is clear that much work needs to be done to achieve global objectives. The local communities at the frontline of the climate crisis, especially those in the Global South, continue to pay the greatest share of the costs – and disproportionately so.
This year’s COP will predominantly be focused on (1) meaningful delivery on Loss and Damage (L&D) for those at the frontline and (2) the climate finance goal (NCQG) that is set to be agreed at COP29. Here, COP29 must help to restore trust and deliver an ambitious NCQG that meets the needs of those on the frontlines of climate change and that can help build ambition as we look towards COP30. GNDR’s members have three overarching policy demands for COP29 focusing on (1) loss and damage financing, (2) listening to the community and those on the frontline of risk and (3) the important role civil society must play.
We call on member states and policymakers in development, humanitarian response and disaster risk reduction to champion the following calls to action in their COP29 negotiations. We also call on all stakeholders to actively champion evidence and include these messages in all climate change influencing, policy negotiations and action.
1. Funding must be urgently made available to fill the Loss and Damage Fund
- We strongly welcome the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund and believe that it is a key step on the path to climate justice
- However, its success will be determined by the funds that will be made available and how the fund operates
- GNDR calls for greater commitments to the Fund at COP29 and beyond to provide those on the frontlines of the climate crisis with the support that they need
- This funding must be directed towards local communities most affected by climate change and disasters
- We advocate for investment in early warning systems that are accessible to all communities, especially those in high-risk areas, and emphasise the need for capacity building in disaster preparedness
2. Ensure that communities on the frontline of the climate crisis have the resources and financing that they need to respond and build resilience
- Climate finance, and in particular finance for adaptation and Loss and Damage, must be made accessible to affected communities including women, Indigenous Peoples and marginalised groups
- Local knowledge and community-led initiatives are critical in building sustainable disaster resilience and we advocate for inclusive and equitable funding that responds to the needs of marginalised communities
- We call for funding processes to be simplified and made flexible to allow local groups to access these funds without taking on undue risk or unrealistic administrative burdens
- Only with direct access for those on the frontlines of the climate crisis will we start to see justice
3. Listen to and ensure the meaningful engagement of civil society in climate policy and action at local and global levels
- Engaging civil society meaningfully in climate policy and action at all levels is crucial for achieving effective and inclusive climate solutions
- Indigenous and local knowledge systems need to be valued by policymakers and local CSOs need to be involved in the early stages of climate policy design through participatory processes
- Empowering local CSOs to co-design and lead climate adaptation and mitigation projects, with support from national or international frameworks, can increase the relevance and sustainability of climate actions and enhance the engagement of communities through grassroots organisations
- We call for transparent and accountable climate finance mechanisms that ensure a significant portion of funds reach local and grassroots organisations working on the ground to reduce disaster risks
Further to this, at GNDR, we commit to working hard to capture, document and amplify local voices, recommendations and expertise on loss and damage financing at the local level.
For more information on these policy messages or on GNDR’s work, please contact our head of policy Rebecca Murphy: rebecca.murphy[at]gndr.org or our climate lead Adessou Kossivi: adessou.kossivi[at]gndr.org
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