'Loss and Damage'
Group
Since 1971, the United Nations has recognised Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as a category of states that are considered to be at a severe disadvantage in their development process for structural, historical and geographical reasons. Compared to other states, these countries face a higher risk of remaining underdeveloped and are also vulnerable to external economic shocks and natural or man-made disasters. Currently, 45 countries are recognised as LDCs. Their status and development is reviewed every three years by the UN Economic and Social Council. The criteria used to assess LDCs are: GDP per capita, human assets (such as healthcare and literacy), and economic and environmental vulnerability. Countries recognised by the UN as LDCs receive special benefits in areas such as development finance, access to multilateral trade and technical assistance.
Stance on 'Loss and Damage'
Climate finance is a crucial topic for the LDCs, because they suffer most of the consequences of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions. The North-South divide is very apparent in climate negotiations, with developed nations (Global North) often neglecting their financial commitments to support adaptation and mitigation in the Global South, particularly in LDCs.
Moreover, the concept of "loss and damage" has gained prominence, highlighting irreversible climate-related harms that adaptation cannot address, such as loss of land due to sea-level rise. LDCs advocate for increased funding and equitable mechanisms to address loss and damage, stressing that existing financial flows are inadequate. A fair approach to climate finance is essential to bridge the North-South divide, ensuring that vulnerable nations receive the support needed to protect their communities and ecosystems.
The global agenda setting on climate change is largely formed by the developed countries, which prompts some equity concerns in the LDCs. The Global North also has a different approach on how to tackle the climate change. It tends to invest in climate mitigation initiatives, instead of climate adaptation programs, the latter strongly supported and viewed by the LDCs as the most important approach. In the last few years, the financial initiatives of the Global North in favour of climate mitigation comprised 90% of the overall Northern investments. The African Development Bank, which collaborates with the LDCs, estimated that the African countries will need between 20-30 billion dollars for climate adaptation by 2030 and an additional 20 billion dollars by 2050, even if the increase of the global temperature is halted.
Further Reading
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International Institute for Environment and Development, “Poorest countries at greatest risk of losses and damage from climate change.” (https://www.iied.org/poorest-countries-greatest-risk-losses-damage-climate-change)
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Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “How Deep Is the North-South Divide on Climate Negotiations?”https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2021/10/how-deep-is-the-north-south-divide-on-climate-negotiations?lang=en
Authors
Goa Bijsterveld, Susanna Zeilstra, Martin Rangelov