The COP29 climate conference in Baku may become a chance to save not only small island developing states but also the future of the planet, reads an article by Samoa's permanent representative to the UN, Pa'olelei Luteru, published in one of the British publications, Report informs.
The author claims that island states are most vulnerable to climate change impacts, while emphasizing the key role of climate financing in confronting this crisis.
"Without effective financing, adaptation and mitigation efforts will be insufficient, and loss and damage compensation will be incomplete. Financial flows are key to keeping global temperature rise below the critical 1.5°C threshold. If financing is not secured, we risk going off track, and the damage may become irreversible. It is disheartening that there is still no urgency in achieving the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, an important part of the Paris Agreement," said Luteru.
He noted that the world's least-developed countries and island states show greater commitment to the climate agenda compared to major world powers, which, instead of financing climate initiatives, find endless resources to maintain military conflicts.
"At this year's conference [COP29 in Baku], we call on the international community to commit to a climate finance agreement that will ensure trillions of dollars in funding. It must take into account the special circumstances of the most vulnerable countries in accordance with the Paris Agreement provisions. A robust financial goal will enable the implementation of numerous promises and safeguards contained in Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. This will provide the acceleration needed to address implementation gaps. Small island developing states are paying for the consequences of large countries' activities," he added.
He also noted that unprecedented consequences await larger countries as well, while stating the need to use the crucial opportunity at COP29 both to ensure a decent life for all and to protect small island developing states.