Key updates
Throughout COP26 we’re calling for international decision makers to give greater attention to loss and damage, gender equality and inclusion, and climate finance – read more.
Today’s focus was on transport:
Negotiations on loss and damage:
Over the last two days there have been some misunderstandings on the functions of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage (SNLD). Some northern countries including Canada want it to be removed. Less developed countries consider it a red line. It brought in a lot of consultations. These consultations led to reflection on the use of mentioning the actors to be involved in the functions of the SNLD.
The issue of finance was a key and sensitive topic. Most of the developed countries suggest to postpone it to June 2022. Less developed countries do not find it relevant to talk about functionality without finance. Finally, less developed countries and developed countries have found a consensus on a text that was submitted to the COP/CMA. While this is the minimum we can have, it is important to emphasise that this text is silently making space for the transfer of risk (climate assurance) which is more a response than prevention.
Maybe this is the opportunity for other UNFCCC partners, such as UNDRR to take over with climate prevention and work hard to prevent risk, while the mitigation activities will continue to diminish the quantity of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Finance is the huge gap the loss and damage sector is experiencing. The countries at this stage do not commit to providing resources. Moreover, there is no clear mechanism to channel resources for loss and damage. The debate on governance is almost ignored. The WIM authority has postponed the debate for COP 27.
Focus on Africa:
A side theme of “Africa Day” was held. We engaged in some reflections with the African Union Commission on how to plan and strategise the contributions and the positioning of Africa to champion the development through the localisation.
Communication:
We took the chance to participate in a radio program on Radio France International where we talked about the loss and damage negotiations, but also our personal engagement for a better environment now and for the future generations. The whole programme focused on how young people are committing to protect their environment and was an opportunity to encourage other young people to commit for a sustainable environment and development.
Locally-led solutions to DRR and anticipatory action – challenges, lessons learned and ideas for scaling up:
GNDR were able to lead this session in The Resilience Hub. It showcased locally-led solutions to climate adaptation, resilience building, and anticipatory action. Panellists included representatives from UNOCHA, Kenya Red Cross, BBC Media Action and USAID, a government representative from Madagascar, and Youth Development Organisation, Cameroon. Participants had a discussion on how anticipatory action can be scaled up and institutionalised. Organisers of The Resilience Hub congratulated us on having a large and engaged audience (standing room only!) and we’re grateful for the many more joining online. It brought fruitful discussion. We’ll share the online link to listen back as soon as it is live.
