By Bunmi Yekini
As the world edges closer to the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), more than 130 civil society organizations have issued a dire warning: failure to deliver a robust and equitable climate finance package at COP29 could trigger catastrophic climate outcomes, disproportionately affecting the Global South. This message comes ahead of key meetings in Baku this week, where ministers will discuss the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, which aims to succeed the $100 billion target set to expire in 2025.
Civil society groups are advocating for an ambitious climate finance agreement that mobilizes at least $5 trillion annually to help developing countries combat climate change. According to Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network (CAN) International, the Global North holds a “significant climate debt” to the Global South.
“Mobilizing these trillions is not only essential, it’s achievable,” Essop emphasized, pointing to solutions such as tax justice, wealth taxes, and redirecting public funds from harmful subsidies. She warned that without these measures, “we face another cycle of failure, creative accounting, and loose definitions of climate finance.” Essop also underscored the importance of focusing on grants rather than loans, to prevent further debt burdens on developing countries.
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The demand for finance is not just about scale but also equity. In South Asia, where extreme weather has displaced millions and devastated economies, the call for substantial financial support is urgent. Sanjay Vashist, Director of Climate Action Network South Asia, stated, “South Asian economies need trillions, not billions, annually in grants, not loans, to cope with the devastating loss and damage. Anything less than that would be a violation of the Paris Agreement.”
Southern Africa faces similar challenges, with droughts, floods, and other climate-induced disasters wreaking havoc on communities. “The US$5 trillion demand has to ensure quality finance, be in the form of grants, and meet the urgent needs of frontline communities in Southern Africa,” said Shepard Zvigadza, Coordinator of the Southern Africa Region Climate Action Network.
Civil society organizations are urging ministers to set specific financial goals for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. The proposed breakdown includes $300 billion annually for mitigation and adaptation each, and $400 billion for loss and damage, all in grant-equivalent terms.
“Developed countries must live up to their moral responsibility and fulfill their obligations under the Paris Agreement,” said Mariana Paoli, Global Advocacy Lead at Christian Aid. “The quality of this finance will determine whether we succeed or fail in our collective climate goals.”
The message from civil society is clear: the time for bold, decisive action is now. Anything less than a transformative finance package risks not only climate catastrophe but a deep betrayal of the most vulnerable nations.