OPINION - Climate debt: COP27 must rise to the occasion
This is the 5thth time since COP1 in Berlin in 1995 that the African continent has hosted a conference of the parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. And the 12th meeting chaired by a country from the South. Will it be the historic meeting that the world is hoping for?
Fatima Driouech, scientist member of the IPCC entrusts to the FARM Foundation that one of the most important issues at this COP is the "losses and damages" as well as the financial compensation that the countries of the South will demand from the "rich countries". If we all hope to see the climate debt addressed at the COP, the current multi-crisis energy, inflationary and geopolitical crisis will make the outcome of the negotiations uncertain. There has been progress from the countries of the North, but it does not meet expectations or needs.
However, it is towards the south that we must look. These countries receive 5 to 10 times less funding for adaptation and mitigation, even though they are already facing the effects of climate change. We must hear their call for greater justice.
Behind the idea of climate debt there is a promise that must be made to the most impacted sectors, a promise of support and guidance. This commits us to working with farmers, who are bringing forward solutions for the future of rural areas and agri-food sectors. It is vital and indispensable. After all, the COP is in Egypt, a country where the same word, eish, means bread and life!
Matthieu Brun, Scientific Director of the FARM Foundation
