The ongoing United Nations climate negotiations have hit a significant impasse, as tensions between developed and developing nations escalate over climate finance commitments. With the conference running overtime, a rough draft proposing Ksh.38 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035 has been soundly rejected by African nations and small island states, exposing a deep rift in the talks.
Walkouts and Widespread Dissatisfaction
The draft proposal sparked a dramatic response on Saturday, with representatives from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) bloc and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) walking out of the negotiations. Evans Njewa, chair of the LDC group, dismissed the proposal as unacceptable. “We need to speak to other developing countries and decide what to do,” he said.
Colombian Environment Minister Susana Mohamed echoed the dissatisfaction, describing the atmosphere as one of frustration rather than outright protest.
Climate activists added to the tension, targeting U.S. climate envoy John Podesta as he exited the negotiation room. Accusations that the U.S. had failed to meet its financial obligations to combat climate change fueled heated exchanges, with activists pointing to the nation’s historical contributions to global emissions.
The Funding Gap
The most recent official draft pledged Ksh.32 trillion annually by 2035, an increase from the Ksh.12.9 trillion goal set 15 years ago. However, the figure remains far below the Ksh.129 trillion that experts say is urgently needed to address the escalating impacts of climate change.
Developing nations are pushing for Ksh.168 trillion to fund adaptation efforts, compensate for climate-induced losses, and transition to renewable energy. Wealthy nations, obligated to assist under the 2015 Paris Agreement, have yet to meet these demands.
Panama’s chief negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, dismissed the Ksh.38 trillion figure as insufficient, likening it to “crumbs.” Developing nations had previously proposed a Ksh.64 trillion deal by 2030, but are still awaiting a response from developed countries.
A ‘War of Attrition’
The stalled negotiations have exposed a power imbalance between developed and developing nations. Smaller delegations from poorer countries are often stretched thin, with members fatigued by extended talks, while wealthier nations maintain larger teams with greater resources.
“This is what they always do. They break us at the last minute,” lamented Monterrey Gomez. He described how the extended negotiations leave smaller nations vulnerable to pressure, with some delegations forced to leave due to scheduling conflicts.
Mohamed Adow, from Power Shift Africa, warned that desperation among developing nations could lead to them accepting a subpar deal. “The risk is if developing countries don’t hold the line, they will likely be forced to compromise,” he said.
Finding Common Ground
Irish Environment Minister Eamon Ryan emphasized that the focus should not solely be on the monetary figures, but on mechanisms to achieve the Ksh.168 trillion target. He highlighted potential avenues such as carbon markets, where polluters offset emissions by paying into climate projects, to supplement the pledged funds.
However, climate justice advocates remain skeptical. Teresa Anderson of Action Aid criticized developed nations, particularly the U.S., for failing to show meaningful financial commitment. “The presidency has to put something far better on the table,” she argued.
Looking Ahead
With time running out, the prospect of a deal that satisfies both sides appears slim. As small island states and LDCs voice their dissatisfaction, the pressure mounts on developed nations to bridge the financial gap and restore trust.
The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape future climate financing but also determine whether vulnerable nations have the resources to face an increasingly hostile climate.
