UN Climate Change head Simon Stiell has called on countries to deliver a rapid surge in climate finance ahead of COP30 to address the impact of climate change.
Stiell, the head of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, warned, however, that developing nations remained dangerously short of the resources needed to withstand worsening storms, floods, and droughts.
The UN climate chief, in a statement on Tuesday, called for finance to “flow right now”, as delegates prepare to head for the Brazilian city of Belém in November for what is being seen as a crunch summit for turning promises into action.
“Whether or not countries need to be prepared to cope with a changing, more unpredictable climate is hardly in question: Extreme weather events such as devastating wildfires, catastrophic droughts, and apocalyptic floods are making life increasingly difficult in all parts of the world.
“There are plenty of examples of effective measures that countries can take to adapt to this new normal, ranging from high sea walls to cyclone warning systems, floating homes, and planting drought-tolerant crops,’’ Stiell said.
The UN Climate Change agency released a new report detailing the progress countries are making on their national climate adaptation plans. It confirms that the persistent funding gap risks scuppering plans that many are attempting to implement.
Speaking at the launch in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, Stiell reminded us that the climate crisis is destroying lives and livelihoods in every region of the world, especially in the most vulnerable countries, and that “adaptation is not optional; it is absolutely essential”.
Stiell explained that adaptation would not only protect lives but also help empower communities and countries to thrive.
National Adaptation Plans, according to Stiell, are “key to unleashing the epic transformative power of investing in climate resilience”.
Aside from the funding challenge, progress is being made as 67 developing countries have submitted plans.
These, Stiell said, include 23 from least developed countries and 14 small island developing states, with an approach aimed at engaging more women, young people, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and the private sector.
These efforts explain in detail what the priorities and needs are, and, as Stiell suggested, should make it more straightforward for investors and financial institutions to fund climate adaptation.
The report comes 19 days before the opening of the COP30 UN climate conference in the Amazonian city of Belém. Adaptation and the funding gap will be central issues for negotiators, aiming to mobilise $1.3 trillion in climate finance.
Looking ahead to the UN summit, Stiell said it was a “key test of global solidarity” that must “connect climate action to real lives everywhere to spread the vast benefits”.
