Earth Today | ‘Keep 1.5 aligned’

SMALL ISLAND developing states (SIDS) have once again urged developed countries to demonstrate credible support, including the provision of adequate and efficient financial flows, to those most vulnerable to the worsening climate crisis.

In particular, the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) has said that there is need for progress on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance that is set to be delivered at the upcoming global climate talks (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November.

“The world is teetering on the brink of irreversibly tipping over the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit, which will result in very real devastation not just for our islands on the frontlines, but for every person on this planet,” noted AOSIS Chair, Ambassador Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa’olelei Luteru in a September 17 statement.

“Unlocking critical financial flows is necessary to keep us 1.5-aligned and address present climate change impacts, while staving off even worse to come,” added the ambassador.

The NCQG is a new global climate finance goal that is to be set from a floor of US$100 billion per year, prior to 2025; and in the context of “meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries”, according to information from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The latest call from AOSIS, which represents the interests of the 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states in international climate change and sustainable development negotiations and processes, has come as the clock ticks on COP29 and with the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) mere days away.

“We can all appreciate the importance of striking the right quantified target for the NCQG. However, it has been made clear that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and protecting the vulnerable at the same time will not be achieved on $100 billion. Neither will the aims of the Paris Agreement and the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change if the finance is not delivered to where it is needed,” explained the AOSIS chair.

“We must have a quantum for the NCQG above US$1 trillion; and at UNGA 79, countries must make strong strides to commit to a COP29 process where access is signed, sealed and delivered in the decision we formalise on the NCQG. That decision must provide the right access features, fair concessionality, effective transparency, and full operationalisation of Paris Agreement provisions for the most vulnerable countries,” the chair added.

Caribbean SIDS are among those most vulnerable to climate change impacts, which include not only the unrelenting heat with which people have had to contend, but also extreme hurricane events, the likes of which was experienced with the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl; as well as compromised public health, freshwater availability and food security.

pwr.gleaner@gmail.com