Changing the narrative of climate loss and damage ahead of COP30
The focus should be shifted from the abstract concept of loss and damage to highlighting how local communities are already bearing the burden of climate change at the international, national, and local levels
In 2008, the term "loss and damage" was formally recognised when the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) submitted its multi-window mechanism proposal to the UNFCCC to address unavoidable climate impacts.
Following this proposal and the decision at COP18, the UNFCCC established the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage to address such impacts. At COP27 in 2022, a historic decision was made to operationalise a 'Loss and Damage Fund'.
However, several challenges remain in operationalising and effectively implementing loss and damage. These include the absence of a universally approved definition, unclear financial mechanisms, limited and insufficient sources of funding, the lack of a specific methodology for quantifying non-economic losses, and complex governance issues. Together, these factors continue to hinder efforts to secure adequate support for loss and damage initiatives.
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At COP30 this year, it is highly imperative for developing and least developed countries to take a strong stand against the delaying tactics of developed countries on climate commitments, particularly on loss and damage issues. Developed countries often show reluctance to commit to addressing climate change-induced losses and damages due to their historical responsibility for emissions, the associated financial burden, and fears of compensation and legal liability.
At the Pre-COP meeting, scheduled to take place on 13–14 October in Brazil, developing and least developed countries like Bangladesh should seek to change the narrative around climate justice. This can be done by shifting the focus from the abstract concept of loss and damage to highlighting how local communities are already experiencing its impacts and bearing the burden of climate change at international, national, and local levels.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), approximately 3.3 to 3.6 billion people are highly susceptible to climate change due to their location and circumstances.
Bangladesh ranks as the 7th most vulnerable country to climate change impacts and disasters due to its geographical location and characteristics. The country has already experienced two consecutive major cyclonic events: Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009.
In 2020, Cyclone Amphan damaged 55,667 houses, 149,000 hectares of agricultural land, 180,500 hatcheries, 150 kilometres of embankments, 200 bridges and culverts, and 100 kilometres of roads, causing a total loss of Tk11 billion.
Despite being a developing country, the Government of Bangladesh allocates 6–7% of its annual budget to climate adaptation, about 75% of which comes from domestic sources.
At the local level, vulnerable communities are bearing the cost of loss and damage. A 2019 study by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) found that rural households in Bangladesh spend Tk158 billion (almost US$2 billion) annually on repairing damage caused by climate change and on preventive measures.
Developed countries often show reluctance to commit to addressing climate change-induced losses and damages due to their historical responsibility for emissions, the associated financial burden, and fears of compensation and legal liability.
Such expenses divert government spending away from social and economic development towards increased climate adaptation needs. It traps the country in a vicious cycle that ultimately undermines both economic stability and climate resilience.
Furthermore, funding for climate adaptation and for loss and damage remains limited and uncertain. According to the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), less than 10% of global climate finance is allocated to adaptation efforts, with much of it directed towards national-level infrastructure rather than community-led initiatives in vulnerable regions.
Their research indicates that these funds are not reaching the local level or the most vulnerable and marginalised communities, who are most affected by climate change. This, in turn, poses a significant impediment to building resilience at the community level.
It is high time for the governments of developing and least developed countries to seek greater support from the international community in meeting the additional burden borne by poor and marginalised communities, in order to ensure long-term resilience and development.
The Government of Bangladesh, together with NGOs, should proactively document the economic losses and damages caused by climate change-induced disasters, highlight human stories and local impacts, integrate loss and damage into national climate resilience and development plans, demand global climate justice through financial support, and empower local communities and youth to become active participants in the solution.
Instead of disputes over climate loss calculations, a pragmatic focus should be on securing support for vulnerable communities.
Tahmina Hadi is a manager at Friendship NGO.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
