Urgent demands at Bonn Conference to address climate-related loss and damage

A section of activists protest at the ongoing Bonn climate conference demanding loss and damage be addressed as an integral part of mitigation and adaptation. [Mactilda Mbenywe, Standard]

In the face of escalating losses and damages caused by the climate crisis, the Bonn Climate Change Conference has become a crucial platform for experts and activists to rally for a paradigm shift in climate action.

The urgency to address loss and damage as an integral part of mitigation and adaptation efforts is now more apparent than ever, with vulnerable communities and countries bearing the brunt of the devastating impacts.

"Developed countries must urgently step up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support developing countries. Losses and damages from these emissions are escalating, and causing devastating impacts on vulnerable communities and countries," emphasized Sharon Gakii, a climate activist from Kenya.

The Loss and Damage Youth Coalition (LDYC) presented a series of demands, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackle the growing challenges faced by communities worldwide.

With over 800 members from over 70 countries, the LDYC called for an end to silos and a renewed commitment to keeping the 1.5-degree Celsius goal alive.

The LDYC's demands were launched on the Action Network and Global Citizen Platform, garnering over 7,000 signatures in support.

The demands reflect the voices and concerns of youth, indigenous peoples, women, and other marginalised groups who bear the brunt of loss and damage caused by climate change.

One of the primary demands put forth by the LDYC is the inclusion of loss and damage as a permanent agenda item within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process.

Recognising loss and damage as the third pillar of the Paris Agreement, the LDYC stressed the need for dedicated space and focus within the negotiation regime to ensure that the voices of the Global South and frontline communities are heard and reflected.

"The forgotten negotiation item of loss and damage must no longer be treated as an afterthought. It is crucial that loss and damage become a permanent agenda item within the UNFCCC process, allowing for proper space and attention to address this pressing issue," said a representative of LDYC.

Another key demand is the swift establishment of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage (SNLD), which aims to provide technical assistance to frontline communities in developing countries. The LDYC called for the SNLD to be operationalized without delay, with a focus on ensuring the needs and priorities of the Global South are properly considered.

"In my country, people are losing their homes because of a climate crisis that they have done the least to cause. It is vital that the Loss and damage fund is operationalised now, and that it is accessible to grassroots communities. It's a matter of climate Justice," said Mamadou Sylla from Senegal.

"The SNLD must play a crucial role in providing the necessary technical assistance to communities most affected by loss and damage. Its establishment should prioritise the voices and perspectives of the Global South, ensuring effective and targeted support," they emphasised.

Addressing the financial aspects of loss and damage, the LDYC underscored the importance of a separate and dedicated loss and damage finance mechanism. They called for new, additional, predictable, accessible, and adequate finance to support frontline communities in developing countries, without increasing their debt burden.

"Our demands for loss and damage finance are clear - it must be separate from adaptation finance and should not add to the existing financial burdens faced by communities and developing countries. We need a fit-for-purpose Loss and Damage Fund and funding arrangements that meet the urgent needs on the ground," they indicated.

In addition to these demands, the LDYC highlighted the need for youth, indigenous peoples, women, and other marginalised groups to be actively included in the decision-making process related to loss and damage.

They stressed the importance of creating partnerships on an equal footing and recognizing the unique strengths and contributions of all stakeholders.

The LDYC also emphasised the necessity of doubling adaptation funding by 2025, implementing the Global Goal on Adaptation, and prioritizing youth inclusion in scaling up adaptation action in developing countries.

They called for increased efforts in the areas of climate empowerment and a global stocktake that gives equal emphasis to loss and damage alongside mitigation and adaptation.

As the Bonn Climate Change Conference continues, the LDYC's demands provide a roadmap for addressing loss and damage in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.

It is hoped that these demands will guide discussions and lead to concrete actions that prioritize the needs and rights of those most affected by the climate crisis.

The LDYC's demands echo the urgent call to address loss and damage without silos, keeping the 1.5-degree Celsius goal alive.

By embracing these demands and taking concrete actions, the international community can pave the way for a more resilient and just future for all.