BAKU, Azerbaijan — Negotiations between developed and developing nations at the UN climate talks entered overtime on Saturday, with intense discussions focused on securing funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
However, a draft proposal faced significant opposition, particularly from African nations and small island states, leading to several nations leaving the negotiations due to their dissatisfaction with the proposal.
Evans Njewa, chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group, stated the current proposal was unacceptable, highlighting the need for consultation among developing nations before proceeding. Echoing this sentiment, Colombian environment minister Susana Mohamed described the situation as one of “high dissatisfaction.”
Heightened tensions resulted in climate activists confronting U.S. climate envoy John Podesta, accusing the U.S. of insufficient contributions and historical environmental damage.
Friday’s official draft proposed $250 billion annually by 2035, a significant increase but still far below the estimated $1 trillion needed. Saturday’s revised draft suggested $300 billion.
Accusations of protracted negotiations
Developing countries accused wealthier nations of employing delaying tactics to secure a smaller financial aid package. Small island states, particularly vulnerable to climate change, criticized the host country’s lack of attention throughout the two-week summit.
Panama’s chief negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, expressed frustration with the protracted negotiations, highlighting the disparity between the resources of developed and developing nations’ delegations.
Gomez emphasized the detrimental impact of these prolonged talks on developing nations’ negotiating capacity, asserting that the wealthy nations intentionally prolong the process to exhaust their counterparts.
Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa warned that a lack of resolve from developing nations could lead to compromises that hinder climate action. Teresa Anderson of ActionAid urged the summit presidency to present a substantially improved proposal, emphasizing the need for significantly increased financial commitments from wealthy nations.
Climate funding remains unresolved
Developing nations require $1.3 trillion to address climate change impacts, including adaptation measures, loss and damage compensation, and clean energy transitions. This financial obligation is enshrined in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Even the increased $300 billion figure is considered insufficient by Panama’s Monterrey Gomez, who questioned whether it represents even half of the requested amount.
Monterrey Gomez further indicated that the developing world has requested $500 billion in climate finance through 2030, a shorter timeframe than the initially proposed 2035 target. A response from developed nations is awaited.
Irish environment minister Eamon Ryan emphasized that securing the necessary funds is as critical as the final financial figure, advocating for diverse funding mechanisms, including carbon markets.
The final agreement’s financial commitment will likely be leveraged to attract greater climate spending, although this often involves loans, posing challenges for debt-burdened nations.
Negotiations fraught with tension
Alden Meyer of E3G expressed uncertainty regarding a conclusive finance agreement in Baku, acknowledging the possibility of an impasse.
Ali Mohamed, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, stated that the bloc is committed to reaching an agreement but would not compromise on key priorities.
Despite existing challenges, some negotiators remain optimistic. Nabeel Munir of Pakistan expressed hope for a successful outcome. The Alliance of Small Island States affirmed their continued participation contingent on an inclusive process.
Panama’s Monterrey Gomez stressed the critical importance of a successful agreement, emphasizing the severe consequences of failure for both the climate process and the planet.
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Associated Press journalists Ahmed Hatem, Aleksandar Furtula and Joshua A. Bickel contributed to this report.
