Asia-Pacific States

During COP28, states in Asia and the Pacific stressed the importance of the Loss and Damage Fund as a crucial tool for supporting vulnerable nations in the region and addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change. They recognize the fund as an important step towards climate justice. Large regional disparities exist. For example, the UAE contributed $100 million to the fund, while small island states were unable to contribute but are largely dependent on the existence of the fund. 

Furthermore, Asia and the Pacific stressed the need for equitable burden-sharing and urged Western countries to finance climate adaptation and mitigation. Small island states like Tuvalu and Vanuatu emphasized the disproportionate impact they face from climate change and demanded stronger financial support (Asia Society). Despite initial pledges, developed countries were criticized for contributing insufficiently, heightening tensions over their historical responsibility for emissions​.

Overall, The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has emphasized climate justice as a core element of its agenda at COP28. ESCAP underscores that addressing climate change requires a fair and equitable approach, particularly for the Asia-Pacific region, where the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including small island nations and least developed countries (ESCAP, 2023). At COP28, both China and India maintained their focus on balancing climate action with their developmental needs, positioning themselves as representatives of the Global South in climate justice debates.