'Loss and Damage'
Latin America and Caribbean States
The Independent Association of Latin America and the Caribbean (AILAC, Spanish: Asociación Independiente de Latinoamérica y el Caribe) is a coalition of Latin American and Caribbean nations that collaborate on specific issues as a bloc in international climate negotiations. Established during the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) in Doha, Qatar, AILAC was formed by Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, Guatemala, and Panama, with the support of the Dominican Republic. The group diverged from the Group of 77 on certain matters, particularly regarding commitments for developing countries. AILAC positions itself as a "third way" in the climate change negotiations, bridging the North–South and rich–poor divides.
Stance on 'Loss and Damage'
Latin America faces some of the world’s severest climate risks, which is central during the discussion on the operationalisation of a Loss and Damage fund at COP28. Since the framework of Loss and Damage is focused mostly on Least Developed Countries, some Latin American countries like Barbados and Belize have started talking about alternatives for climate funds, such as a debt-for-climate swap. The Caribbean Island States forge a unified front, emphasizing the need for a Loss and Damage fund, and demand support of at least 100 billion USD to actively aid developing countries that are hit by extreme climate events. Latin America and the Caribbean islands agree that the lust for permanent growth from the Global North is the main driving force of global climate change to the detriment of the Global South. This growing carbon consumption must end, as it is to the detriment of the Global South.
Further Reading
Authors
Fin Spee, Maartje de Koeijer
