The demands of the SIDS
Small island states are asking for funding for adaptation and mitigation, as well as compensation for the loss and damage they have already suffered. The concept of ‘climate justice’ is central to their demands: the nations that have historically contributed most to global warming must take responsibility for supporting those suffering most from the impacts of climate change.
Adaptation funds are intended to support projects such as building resilient infrastructure, protecting coastlines and managing water resources. Mitigation funds, by contrast, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of renewable energy and clean technologies. But the toughest battle concerns funding for loss and damage, which is meant to compensate countries suffering irreversible consequences of climate change, such as the loss of habitable land and vital resources.
The context of COP29
COP29 is a critical moment for the international community, which is called upon to make the 2015 Paris Agreement operational and to keep to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Among the key points of the conference will be the mobilisation of the funds promised to developing countries, a commitment amounting to 100 billion dollars a year. However, although the promise dates back to 2009 and COP15, these funds have still not been fully allocated, fuelling frustration and uncertainty among small island states.
Island nations are also pushing for the creation of a loss and damage fund that can be accessed quickly and directly, without the delays that have marked previous promises of aid. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), a group representing the interests of small islands, has stressed that, without swift action, many of these nations may be unable to guarantee the survival of their communities.
The political challenges
Despite growing international attention on the SIDS, the political challenges remain considerable. Although these countries are among the most vulnerable, they have little bargaining power in global negotiations, especially compared with the large economies. However, thanks to coalitions such as AOSIS, the islands are trying to amplify their voice in the negotiations and push the large economies to take on greater responsibility.
One of the most contentious aspects of COP29 will probably be the debate on the loss and damage fund. The United States and other advanced economies have historically been reluctant to commit on this front, fearing growing compensation claims. However, small island states have no intention of backing down, arguing that the loss and damage fund is a matter of justice and fairness.
Hopes and prospects for COP29
With COP29 approaching, the hopes of small island states are high, but they are aware that the outcome is not guaranteed. As Jacynta Fa'amau, a Pacific campaigner for the global organisation 350.org, put it: “This COP will be decisive not only for the small islands, but for the future of the entire planet. We can no longer afford compromises or delays.”
The fate of the small islands depends largely on the international community’s ability to make courageous decisions and to commit concretely to supporting the most vulnerable countries. As attention turns to Baku, the world waits to see whether global leaders will rise to the challenge.
Sources:
- Interview with Jacynta Fa'amau, Pacific Campaigner, 350.org(Global Issues)
- COP29 preparatory documents
- OASIS
- unep
